Writing an Online Bio
Photo credit: Etienne Girardet (Unsplash)
In today’s modern tech environment, one of the first things we do when confronted with most new topics or situations is an internet search—everything from news and weather, recipes for the best pancakes, what kind of paint to use on outdoor furniture, why is my car making this weird sound, or where should we go out to dinner tonight?
Even as therapists, our online presence is important. Whether you get referrals from word-of-mouth recommendations or other sources, people are likely to search for you in their process of contacting you to set up a therapy appointment. A good web presence can attract new clients, increase credibility, and help you to engage with the community.
I will discuss the use of social media, separating personal and professional lives, and other aspects of online content in the future. Today, I want to focus on the simple bio. Many agencies and companies will ask you to write about yourself for their website, regardless of whether or not you have your own site. I think writing a bio is a useful activity because it forces you to examine your values and style.
Indeed.com has a good outline for bio-basics here. I believe they offer sound advice to get started. You can also get more creative if you feel confident. Some private practices may steer you towards a different style, less focused on you as an individual and based more on therapy and your approach. You can see examples of both through my own bios on my homepage (talktonikkie.com) and the one I wrote for Chartier Therapy Group below.
Nicole J. “Nikkkie” Rossetti, LCSW, LCADC
Face it, life is complicated. Together, let’s make a plan to sort it out and achieve balance and wellbeing. Often we feel like we can't catch a break; whether the stress of a particular event feels overwhelming, many issues seem to be piling up all at once, or you struggle with mental illness, talking with a trained professional can provide serenity amongst the chaos and give you better tools to meet your daily challenges. People who are truly successful in life prioritize their physiological health, and seeking an experienced guide is an important first step along that path.
I believe a holistic approach is key to maintaining lasting wellness. I like to utilize a variety of techniques from CBT, Mindfulness, Solution-Focused Therapy, and more to tailor treatment to your needs. If medication or other therapies are a part of your plan, I can make referrals to trusted providers. I began my career as a therapist in 2012 and have since had a wide variety of professional experiences that I pull from, forming my theoretical approach. I have a diverse background in anxiety disorders, couples counseling, inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment, and I have spent many years as a provider for teens and children--from crisis stabilization to emotional education and program development.
Therapy should be a collaborative process: you're in the driver's seat and I'm there for support and navigation, with your goals for wellness as our compass. As you reflect and learn along this journey, you'll begin to find peace and unlock your full potential. So together we can examine life's demands and figure out what actions you can take that will empower you to live your best life. Happiness is a choice and the right help can get you there. Why wait any longer?
Taking the time to explore your values and paradigms is a great practice in creating professional focus. I’d love to read (and even critique) bios if you add them to the comments section below.
