When I start doing a site design with a therapist, I first talk at length about how they work, what their values are, how their clients would describe them as a therapist. From these conversations, I craft an idea of that person as a therapist, and mold the website to reflect that - their professional self.
All design decisions - fonts, colors, images - should be reflective of the therapist. In this way, you give the potential client a congruent image of who you are and what you do.
For my site, ChangingForGood.com, I wanted my design to reflect the following values and characteristics: professional, masculine, intelligent, warm, practical, pragmatic. I think I've done a good job (check it out for yourself and see what you think).
I've been in some web design engagements where the therapist wanted to have the site reflect what they like. And this is subtle, but it should be that the site is more like you, rather than what you like.
I personally like bright colors. I like the art of Kandinsky (very abstract). I like volleyball, and a band called Great Big Sea. But this site is not the place for that. While purple is my favorite color, for my therapy website it would be totally wrong. It is to be a reflection of my business, and what I bring as a therapist.
So if you are sitting down to think about a website, start with your values - how you are with your clients - what you are like. The results will serve you better and bring you more ideal clients.
Best! Peter
