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Overview 

This project focused on redesigning a therapist’s website to improve clarity, user flow, and brand positioning – within the constraints of a limited budget. The original site lacked clear calls to action, making it difficult for visitors to understand what steps to take next. Additionally, it didn’t effectively communicate the therapist’s unique approach or differentiate her from others in the field.

With no room in the budget for user testing or low-fidelity prototyping, we focused on streamlining the user experience through intuitive design choices and refining the messaging to better reflect her story and services. The goal was to create a more engaging, approachable site that guided users to take action – whether booking a session or learning more about her therapeutic style – while still feeling calm, safe, and supportive.

The Problem 

The original  website lacked:

  • Clear calls to action, making it unclear how users should engage

  • A compelling brand story to build connection and trust

  • Differentiation from other therapists in a saturated market

  • Strategic guidance toward bookings or inquiries

As a result, the site didn’t reflect the therapist’s unique approach or help potential clients confidently take the next step.

Project Goals

Clarify the user journey by incorporating strategic calls to action that guide visitors toward booking or reaching out

Establish a stronger brand presence by weaving in the therapist’s story, tone, and values throughout the site

Differentiate the therapist’s approach from others in the industry by highlighting her unique methods, experience, or philosophy

Encourage new members through stronger CTAs and design structure

Target Audience

Ethnic woman lost in thought

Target Segment: The Anxious Seeker

Name: Emily
Age: 29
Location: Vancouver, BC
Household Income: $60K/year
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences
Family Status: Single, no children

Emily works in the non-profit sector and has always carried a deep sense of empathy, but lately she’s been feeling overwhelmed and isolated. She’s tried one-on-one therapy in the past but is now seeking something more community-focused. As a woman navigating anxiety and burnout, she wants to feel safe, understood, and less alone. With a busy schedule, accessibility and ease are essential-she’s open to in-person but prefers online support options.

Pain Points & Challenges:

  • Feels emotionally drained and unsupported in her current routines
  • Unsure what group therapy actually looks like or if she’ll fit in
  • Feels awkward reaching out without knowing what to expect
  • Doesn’t feel a connection from most therapy websites she’s visited
  • Has seen too many clinical or cold-feeling designs that intimidate her

Needs

  • A clear explanation of how the group sessions work and who they’re for
  • Reassurance that this is a safe, inclusive space for women
  • A calm, welcoming tone and modern visuals that reflect emotional safety
  • Simple steps to join or inquire – without feeling pressured
  • Mobile-friendly design, since she researches on-the-go
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Target Segment: The Burnout Survivor

Name: Carla
Age: 43
Location: Rural Alberta
Household Income: $90K/year (combined)
Education: Teaching Degree
Family Status: Married with two teenagers

Carla has been teaching for over 15 years and is proud of her work—but the last few years have left her depleted. She’s never done therapy before, but she’s reached a point where she knows she needs support. She’s not ready for intense one-on-one sessions, but the idea of a small, supportive group of women feels manageable. Being in a rural area, online access is a must.

Pain Points & Challenges:

  • Feels unsure if she belongs in therapy or what it involves
  • Has limited time and emotional energy to “figure things out”
  • Worries about opening up in a group of strangers
  • Frustrated by confusing or overly wordy websites
  • Prefers to read stories or reviews before trusting a service

Needs

  • A warm, clear message that group therapy is for women like her
  • Easy-to-understand descriptions of each group offering
  • Testimonials or stories from past participants
  • A gentle, non-clinical tone that makes her feel at ease
  • Clear info on online access, times, and how to sign up

High Fidelity Designs

I brought the vision to life by:

  • Using calming, inclusive imagery and full-bleed sections to create emotional connection

  • Designing clear, digestible sections that highlight her unique group offerings and therapeutic approach

  • Simplifying the language and placing intentional emphasis on “Join a Session” CTAs to guide user action

Before and After

Home Page Before
Home Page After
About Page Before
About Page After
Group Info Before
Group Info After Page After

User Feedback + Reflection

Due to budget constraints, we weren’t able to conduct formal user testing for this project. However, informal feedback from the client and early users provided valuable insights.

The client expressed that the redesigned site finally “felt like her” – it reflected the warmth, clarity, and purpose behind her practice. She appreciated the simplified layout and how easy it was for visitors to understand her offerings and next steps. Several group participants also commented on how welcoming and intuitive the site felt compared to the original version.

Reflecting on the process, this project reinforced how even small design decisions – like clearer CTAs, a well-placed testimonial, or a softer visual tone – can make a significant impact on user experience. While limited by time and budget, focusing on clarity, story, and emotional resonance helped transform the site into a tool that not only informs, but connects.