Launching My Website: A labor and lesson in perfectionism
I started my private practice in January 2026 with a variety of goals in mind that I wanted to accomplish. One of those goals being to build a website. The mere idea of it was overwhelming. “I don’t know enough about this - AT ALL”. I’m just a therapist - how can I possibly build a website on my own? I put it off for a good four months while I worked on other practice building tasks-- but “website” always stared back at me menacingly when I referenced to my to-do list.
So, where do I even begin?
The perfectionist’s number one enemy - Asking for help.
And so I asked around for help and guidance- “Have someone make it for you!” - “It doesn’t need to be perfect, just get something up”. I got a lot of opinions, but I knew in the back of my head that I’d want to do a lot of it myself, because, another tenet of perfectionism “If you want it done right, you do it yourself”.
Too Many Details, Too Many Options
More so than the content, I wanted to design a website that conveys who I am as a human, not just a therapist. I wanted branding photography that looks professional but relaxed and welcoming. I wanted a color palette that represented my personality but also sat well with potential clients. So many details and options - and when there are so many details and options- it can be a perfectionist’s nightmare.
Consequently, I used this project to really work on my own perfectionism issues by being more mindful of when I was adding more stress to my plate, and when it was ok to just let some things go. This was important to me because how can I help my clients with addressing their perfectionism if I’m unwilling to do the work myself? I won’t bore you with every single detail of my process but I will use my branding photography as an example of how I both struggled with and fought back against my perfectionism.
So let’s talk specifically about my photography.
Side bar -- I once had headshots taken that I absolutely despised. I was provided access to a make-up artist that I had not chosen personally. In the end, I looked like a Kardashian (which is simply not my preferred look). Caked on foundation, smokey eyes, overdone lipstick, super contoured. Completely unnatural. Completely un-Shelley. I look at those photos and I have no idea who she is. I was embarrassed to share those headshots with people and have them posted across websites and social media. I felt obligated to be gracious for the services that were provided for me. “But Shelley, why didn’t you self-advocate?” you may ask. I did not feel like I was in a position to assert myself -- But that’s a story for another time.
Showing up as myself
Fast forward to launching my own website, I had significantly more control over my headshots and branding photography. I decided to do my makeup myself. Did I have a voice in my head saying “you definitely should’ve gotten it professionally done?” Yes of course. But I reminded myself- the real me will shine through, and that's who my clients want to see. Potential clients will see the smile lines that come from years of experience, joy, and laughter. And the creases worn in by years of heartbreak, loss, anger, and sadness. A face that isn’t afraid to express deep emotion despite the lines and wrinkles that may result.
I also could’ve gotten my hair professionally styled- but I didn’t. There were fly-aways and stray strands of uneven curls. That is perfectly good enough. The reason being- I'm going to show up to sessions with messy hair some days because maybe I only had 5 minutes to style it while my baby screamed for my attention. In those moments it’s significantly more important for me to respond lovingly to my child’s needs than to worry about if there’s a curl out of place.
And so I showed up to my photoshoot looking put together and professional, but not overdone. Polished but also still flawed, still me. And with some skilled touch-ups by my incredible photographer, the photos turned out exactly how I wanted them.
More than good enough.
Author: Shelley Snapp LMFT-AS
Licensed marriage and family therapist and AAMFT Approved Supervisor in the Philadelphia/Doylestown area, specializing in anxiety, perfectionism, and burnout. Also provides clinical supervision to LMFT associates in PA and NJ — and is prone to overthinking a website redesign.
This post reflects my personal experiences and opinions and is shared for informational purposes only. It is not intended as, and should not be interpreted as, clinical advice, treatment, or a substitute for professional guidance. If you're navigating your own perfectionism, anxiety, or burnout, I'd encourage you to speak with a licensed therapist.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, please call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), available 24/7, or go to your nearest emergency room.
