Counselling Practice Website Design: Building Digital Presence

Counselling Practice Website Design: Building Digital Presence – A Case Study

Overview: When Shawna, the owner of Ignite Counselling, approached me, she was ready to ignite her vision for a thriving counselling practice in Maple Ridge. Specializing in trauma therapy and mental health support, Shawna’s dream was to create a warm, welcoming online space that reflected her mission of helping people heal and grow. She needed a professional and approachable counselling practice website design to serve as the cornerstone of her new practice—connecting with potential clients, showcasing her team, and providing valuable tools to support her operations and long-term growth.

Together, we crafted a design that would become a hub for her work. Shawna wanted potential clients to feel connected from the moment they landed on her site. To achieve this, we incorporated therapist bios to add a personal touch, seamless appointment scheduling through the Jane app, and essential tools like blogging and email marketing to build her outreach. The project wasn’t just about launching a website; it was about creating a platform that empowered both Shawna and her clients.

Beyond these features, Shawna also prioritized building for the future. Her website needed strong SEO optimization to enhance visibility, a section for sharing insights and resources, and a streamlined hiring application page to attract top-tier team members. Together, we ensured that Ignite Counselling’s website was not only functional but also a reflection of the care, compassion, and professionalism that define her practice.

Client: Ignite Counselling & Consulting

Role: Website Design & Digital Marketing

Project Timeline: 2025 (5-6 Weeks)

Responsibilities

Chose a template design suited to Shawna’s vision using the Divi theme on WordPress.
Designed a logo and established brand colors to create a consistent, professional identity.
Optimized all pages for usability, accessibility, and search engine optimization (SEO).
Integrated tools such as therapist bios, a hiring application page, Jane app for seamless booking, and Mailchimp for email marketing.
Developed a comprehensive training guide so Shawna could independently update and manage the site.
Maintained clear communication through phone calls, texts, and in-person meetings to keep the project aligned with Shawna’s vision.

Results

A professional and welcoming website that made a strong first impression on potential clients.
Seamless integration with the Jane app, enabling secure and efficient appointment booking.
Increased client inquiries and improved lead generation through optimized contact forms.
Launched email marketing strategies using Mailchimp to build and grow a subscriber base.
Established a strong digital foundation for Ignite Counselling to connect with the community and expand its reach.

The end result was more than just a website—it became a space where Shawna’s vision could truly shine. This counselling practice website design provided a user-friendly, professional platform that supports both Shawna and her clients, fostering meaningful connections and empowering her to grow her business. Working with Shawna on this project was incredibly rewarding, and I’m proud to have played a role in helping Ignite Counselling create a lasting impact in the community.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Amanda was absolutely amazing to work with! I was feeling really overwhelmed with getting my business website up and running, but she made the whole process so easy and stress-free. She listened to what I wanted, explained things in a way I could understand, and brought everything together better than I could have imagined. I highly recommend her if you need someone who’s not only talented but also super supportive and easy to work with!

Shawna Leighton

Founder & Clinical Director at Ignite Counselling

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Behind the strategy

Get to know the visionary behind virtual spirit strategy

I’m Amanda McLaughlin, an Anishinaabe woman and the proud Indigenous founder of Virtual Spirit Strategy. This company is more than a business—it’s a reflection of my values, my heritage, and my vision for fostering connection and empowerment through digital marketing. Based in Langley, BC, I founded Virtual Spirit Strategy in 2024 with one clear mission: to create impactful digital experiences that elevate voices and foster community. The core of my work is deeply rooted in Anishinaabe principles of community, connection, creativity, and empowerment. I go beyond marketing to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and uplifted, using digital storytelling to amplify brands, build connections, and empower businesses.

Virtual Spirit Strategy is also a celebration of identity. I carry the strength and resilience of my ancestors with me, and I infuse their teachings into everything I do. Each project is an opportunity to honour those traditions while embracing modern innovation. From collaborating with mission-driven organizations to creating strategies that spark engagement, my work is grounded in passion, respect, and innovation. I believe in a world where businesses grow not just through numbers but through relationships—relationships with their clients, communities, and values. My goal is to help you tell your unique story and succeed in ways that feel authentic and impactful. Together, I’m confident we can create positive change and shape a brighter digital future.