Your VHC Profile Picture Guideline
A picture really does say a thousand words — and first impressions count. Whether we like it or not, people make quick judgments based on what they see, so we want potential clients to instantly feel a sense of warmth, professionalism, and trust when they come across your photo.
These are the VHC photo guidelines! While we’re flexible about most things, this is one area where consistency really matters. Because every photo and bio helps someone decide if they can see themselves opening up to you, feeling understood, and booking that first appointment.
Step 1: Smile!
The goal is to look warm, friendly, and approachable.
A genuine smile helps people instantly feel at ease. Showing your teeth makes that warmth really shine through!
If an open smile doesn’t come naturally, try practicing a few times to find one that feels comfortable and authentic to you.
Think “kind clinician energy,” not “school photo panic.”
Step 2: Personality!
Our brand is relaxed, approachable, and human. We are not corporate or overly “polished.”
We’re not going for real estate agent vibes here!
Let your personality shine through- this means wear what feels you, smile naturally, and bring a bit of the warmth and humour you’d show a client.
Our community connects best with clinicians who feel real, relatable, and full of personality.
Step 3: High Resolution
Clear, crisp, and sharp photos help us show you at your best.
Blurry or low-quality images can make it harder for us to advertise and celebrate your work, and we really want to show you off!
Professional photography is a great investment, but a recent phone or digital camera on the highest resolution setting can work beautifully too.
Bonus tip: the free Camera 360 app often takes clearer photos than your standard camera app — give it a try!
Step 4: Whole head in the frame!
Make sure your whole head and shoulders fit in the photo- no creative crops, please!
Those artistic “top of the head missing” shots might look cool on Instagram, but for professional use, we need your full head and hair in view.
It helps us easily include you in team graphics, the website, and marketing materials.
(It keeps our design team sane and happy!)
Step 5: Plain Background is best
A simple background makes it much easier for us to edit and use your photo across our materials. Light, neutral, or softly coloured walls work perfectly — they keep the focus on you!
We remove photo backgrounds for most of our designs, so starting with a clean background just saves a few extra steps (and makes your photo look extra polished).
Step 6: Natural light
Natural light is your best friend — it makes you look alive, bright, and welcoming.
Try taking your photo near a window during the day for the softest, most flattering light.
If you’re shooting indoors, make sure your phone or camera is set to a high-resolution mode, or add a ring light to keep things bright.
No need for fancy filters — just good light and your natural smile!
Inspiration
Here are a few examples of photos our team has used that hit the right balance — friendly, natural, and professional (without being too polished).
Think “approachable clinician energy”; warm smile, good lighting, clear image, and a dash of your own personality.
Use these as inspiration for your own photo. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just authentically you!
Your VHC Bio Guideline
Your clinician bio is often the first impression a client has of you — and first impressions matter!
Because we advertise directly to clients, your bio needs to make people feel like you’re the right fit for them. A great bio invites curiosity, builds trust, and motivates someone to click “book.”
These tips will help you write a bio that feels genuine, warm, and connects with the people you most want to work with.
Hint 1: Personality!
Our brand is relaxed, approachable, and human. We are not corporate or overly “polished.”
Again, we’re not going for real estate agent vibes here!
Let your personality shine through- this means wear what feels you, smile naturally, and bring a bit of the warmth and humour you’d show a client.
Our community connects best with clinicians who feel real, relatable, and full of personality.
Hint 2: Grab Attention Fast
You only have a few seconds to catch someone’s interest before they scroll on.
Start strong — lead with something that’s actually interesting about you or how you work.
Think of it like the intro to a video or blog: if it’s slow or generic, people tune out.
Use your best, most engaging material right at the top.
Clients are skimming for someone who gets them, make it easy for them to see that’s you.
Hint 3: No qualification listing
Clients care far more about how you connect than what degrees you hold. Research consistently shows it’s the relationship — not the letters after your name — that makes therapy work.
Unless your qualification is unique or part of your niche (like Sexology or Art Therapy), it’s okay to skip the formalities. Focus instead on what makes your approach or values stand out.
If you’re in an unregistered profession like ADHD coaching or creative therapies, mention your training briefly so clients know you’re qualified — but keep the focus on who you are and how you help.
Hint 4: Try to avoid therapy jargon
Listing every therapy you use (like CBT, ACT, or DBT) won’t excite anyone — it’s not what clients are looking for. Instead, tell them what it’s like to work with you.
For example: instead of saying “I use CBT,” you could say “I help people notice and gently shift unhelpful thinking patterns.”
If you have a specific therapy you’re known for (like EMDR or psychedelic-assisted therapy), that’s worth including — but make it sound human, not textbook.
Hint 5: Share what you believe in
Clients are drawn to therapists who have values and passion. What do you care deeply about? What drives your work?
Talk about what you believe in — your “why.” It’s what helps clients connect with you on a personal level.
For example:
“I believe therapy should feel collaborative and empowering — not clinical or intimidating.”
Values make you memorable!
Hint 6: You only need to speak to one person
Trying to appeal to everyone ends up appealing to no one. Instead, write your bio as if you’re speaking directly to one person — your ideal client.
Picture the kind of person you’d love to work with. What are they struggling with? What would make them feel seen and safe? Write for them.
You only need a handful of the right clients each week — not 25 million Australians. So speak directly to your people, and they’ll know you’re their person.
Final mentions
We’ll always help you polish your bio so it connects with clients and aligns with our brand voice.
Think of it as a team effort — we’re here to make sure your profile feels genuine, engaging, and effective in helping you book appointments.
If you’re a contractor, you’re welcome to write in your own style, but if you’d like support crafting something that converts well, we’re more than happy to help.