Therapist Branding Photography
with Sarah Byrd, Therapist, Photographer, & Therapist Branding Specialist
Sarah Byrd
Therapist & Photographer
Why Therapist Brand Headshots?
As a therapist, your image is more than just a headshot—it’s a reflection of the safe, welcoming space you’ll create for your clients. Traditional headshots often miss this essential element. I specialize in therapist branding headshots, capturing your warm and approachable nature, making you look less corporate and more like the caring professional you are training to become.
Who am I and Why am I offering this?
I’m a graduate counseling student myself, AND a portrait photographer specializing in therapist branding photoshoots. I wanted photos for my own therapist brand, but every photographer I worked with either did life coach branding photos or corporate headshots. But neither one of those captured what I wanted to convey as a therapist.
My photography style is specifically FOR therapists, BY a therapist! I know what it’s like to work directly with clients - I’m trained in the Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling program at Naropa University. Capturing the contemplative and mindful personality of therapists is my speciality.
What You Get:
A brand and photoshoot consultation to get your images and messaging just right before we even have the photoshoot. We will both be prepared to capture the authentic YOU!
An engaging photoshoot by a therapist who will help you feel safe to express your authentic self during the shoot, catered to your speciality and branding colors.
Professionally edited photos you can use for your practicum & internship applications, your PsychologyToday profile, or your private practice after you graduate.
How to Book:
Choose Your Level of Photoshoot: Select the level of photoshoot you’re looking for. Together we will find a convenient time from my availability. I’m currently booking for the Fall/Winter 2024 season in Colorado. I will be offering Spring 2025 shoots in select cities in the US and Canada.
Fill Out the Form: Tell me a bit about yourself—what type of practice you have, the kind of vibe you're going for, and any specific preferences. (I’ll get to know more about you in our pre-shoot consultation, but this will paint the picture for me!)
Pay the Deposit: Secure your spot by paying through our simple, secure checkout process.
Prepare for the Shoot: Read the pre-session guide and come ready to capture your best self in a relaxed and fun session!
What to Expect During the Shoot:
We’ll work together in a light and friendly session to bring out your true personality. No stuffy poses or corporate backdrops—just you, showing your future clients who you really are.
If your brand is more out-doorsy, we can capture your vibe outdoors with the beautiful Colorado mountains as our setting. If you are wanting more of therapy room shots, we have indoor options as well to give it the counseling vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where are the shoots held? We have options. The most idea setting is in your actual counseling office if you have one staged nicely. That way clients know what to expect when they work with you. If you don’t have an ideal space available, there are plenty of photography studios available to stage to look like therapy spaces. We also have the beautiful Colorado outdoors available to use. If you want more outdoorsy shots, we also have the Denver Botanic Gardens available. Pending the season and vibe you’re going for, we can do a mix of outdoor and indoor locations!
What should I wear? Something comfortable that reflects your professional but approachable style. This is your chance to style your “therapist look.” A good cardigan, your best funky earrings, something flowy - whatever showcases your uniquely therapist vibe. There is a full pre-shoot guide that you can download after booking that goes into more detail for outfits and prepping for your shoot. We can also discuss this in our pre-shoot consultation!
Can I reschedule? Yes, rescheduling is allowed with 48-hour notice pending availability.
When will I get my photos? You’ll receive your edited photos within 3 weeks of the shoot. Ideally I will get them to you asap, but I take about 400 photos per hour on average. So pending the length of the shoot and volume of photos to edit, it can take a while. Rest assured I’m giving your photos the loving care they deserve and am excited to get your gallery to you as soon as possible!
Incredible Opportunity for Therapists
“Working with Sarah was so lovely. I usually feel a little uncomfortable being the center of attention, and that is especially true when it comes to photography! However, Sarah put me right at home!
Her presence is very grounding, and it was so much more accessible to feel embodied and authentic with her support, care, and guidance! Sarah's help with posing helped me feel that I was truly catering these photos to my clients. She helped me access my warmth and positive regard for clients, allowing these qualities to shine through in my photos.
I am so excited to put this on my website and therapeutic profiles going forward. Sarah does such an incredible job of catering the experience to the therapist. She was able to find spaces and venues that felt authentic to who I am, such as focusing on sunny locations filled with feelings of warmth, bright flowers, and light spaces. These environments helped me to feel at home and comfortable.
Her words of affirmations felt so genuine and her joy and passion for photography radiated throughout the session. I would absolutely recommend this service for any therapist looking for an intentional experience and inviting photos catered to clients.”
— Elio
Therapist, Boulder, CO
Exceptional and Comfortable Photo shoot
Working with Sarah was an absolute joy! From the moment we started, I felt completely at ease, which allowed my true self to shine through in the photos.
As a therapist, it's crucial that my clients see the warmth, empathy, and compassion I strive to bring into our sessions, and Sarah was so helpful with cues and direction to help capture that essence perfectly.
These portraits aren't just beautiful—they're a powerful tool that will help me connect future clients on a deeper level before we even meet. The way Sarah highlighted the genuine care and kindness I aim to provide is something I truly value.
And, of course, the pictures are stunning! They reflect not just my appearance, but the heart and soul I bring to my practice. I couldn't be happier with the results!
— Christine
Therapist, Austin, TX
Learn why these images are NOT therapist branding photos:
Why not?
While the images above are beautiful, unique, and capture my personality, they are in the style of Coaching Brand Photos and Corporate Headshots. They convey a totally different message than Therapist Branding Photos.
Life Coaching Brand Photos typically convey energy, inspiration, and transformation. They aim to showcase the coach as a motivational figure, often highlighting vibrancy, optimism, and personal success. These photos frequently include dynamic poses, colorful or lifestyle-oriented backgrounds, and high end attire. The message focuses on empowerment and the ability to lead clients toward change, emphasizing a confident and aspirational image.
However, for therapists, these types of photos can feel too flashy or sales-driven, missing the depth and groundedness that therapy work requires. Therapist branding needs to emphasize trust, safety, and genuine connection, rather than motivation or personal success.
Would you want to book a session with someone who is posing all around the city or working behind their laptop? Probably not if you’re looking to process grief, heal from trauma, or unpack your childhood…
Corporate Headshots typically convey a sense of professionalism, authority, and competence. They aim to present individuals as polished, confident, and aligned with business or corporate values. These images often focus on formality, business attire, and poses that exude control and leadership.
The message is usually one of reliability and trustworthiness in a corporate or business setting, emphasizing qualifications and business success over personal warmth or approachability. This is why corporate headshots can feel out of place for therapists, who want to project empathy and connection rather than formal professionalism.
Do you want to tell your deepest, darkest secrets to someone in a corporate blazer? The corporate exploitative capitalist vibe doesn’t exactly make me feel safe to expose my trauma…
What Makes Therapist Headshots Different?
As a therapist, your brand isn’t about corporate professionalism or sales; it’s about connection, trust, and approachability. Traditional corporate headshots or flashy coaching photos don’t reflect the warmth and empathy you bring to your future practice. My headshots capture the essence of who you are as a therapist—grounded, caring, and authentic.
As a photographer I focus on capturing moments that showcase your connection with your clients, the mindfulness practices you have learned, and helping people feel safe to be vulnerable with you before they’ve even met you. I capture the warmth, trust, and personality of your practice that lets your clients connect with you from the start.
See the Difference For Yourself…
These images are all Naropa graduate counseling students who are ready to showcase their warmth, safety, and trust when working with clients. This is a great opportunity to invest in attracting the right kind of clients so you can stand out from the million other therapists out there. Grow your business and clients (even if you’re just starting in your practicum but need to find clients) with authentic and welcoming images that will help your clients choose YOU.
