About the Book
This book answers the questions that therapists frequently ask about setting up and running a business. It allows readers to successfully make the journey from being trained in how to conduct professional therapy sessions to running a growing private practice. The material covers a range of issues including: registration with HMRC, money issues, marketing, insurance, and whether to work from home or other premises. The book addresses a number of practical questions, such as: Do I have to register with the information commission? What can I count as legitimate business expenses? What mistakes should I avoid when marketing my practice? How can I easily and cheaply accept card payments from my clients? What help can I get to manage my phone calls? How can I get a website? and, What can I do to increase my personal safety?As counselling in the twenty-first century changes, an increasing number of therapists are using technology to write and store notes, and to communicate with clients - either to arrange appointments, or to conduct them.
Table of Contents:
Starting up , Why should I consider private practice? , What qualifications, experience, and qualities do I need to start a private practice? , What things must i do if i go self-employed? , What should I consider if planning to work from home? , What should I consider if planning to hire a room? , What insurance do i need as a private practitioner? , Money issues , How much should I charge? , How much can I expect to earn? , How can I accept payment? , Should I give the first session for free? , Should I charge for sessions when a client doesn't turn up or cancels with short notice? , What are business expenses, and why do I need to bother about them? , Marketing , What are your tips for marketing my business? (1) , What are your tips for marketing my business? (2) , What else can I do to help my business grow? , Other practical issues , What can I do to increase my personal safety when working alone? , Do I need to give clients a written contract? , If I issue a written contract, what might it include? , How could I introduce a written contract? , How can I store my notes? , Do I need to register with the Information Commissioner's Office? , What about working for agencies? , Can I work with clients in their own homes? , Will I have to work evenings and weekends? , What should I do if I bump into my clients in my locality? , How can I increase the chances of an enquiry becoming a client? , Miscellany , How can I get a website? , What are outcome measures and should I use them? , What is a professional will and do I need one? , How can I increase access to my services? , What is the difference between a sole trader and a limited company?
About the Author :
James Rye
Review :
"I can think of no one better placed than James Rye to provide guidance on the setting up and running of a therapy business. This book draws on his extensive personal experience in private practice and his work supporting others in that field. James shows characteristic attention to detail, answering traditional questions, such as whether to charge for missed sessions, alongside exploring contemporary dilemmas such as maintaining a web presence. I would highly recommend this book to any therapist considering developing a private practice."-- (02/03/2017)
"James Rye brings his wealth of experience in an engaging and accessible way to a demanding area of practice. Working independently demands professionalism, integrity, experience, together with a commitment to ethics and self-support. This book is an invaluable resource for all considering private practice, as well as those already enjoying its challenges and opportunities."-- (02/03/2017)
"This book is packed full of practical, clear information about running a therapeutic private practice as a business. The question and answer format allows readers to access specific information easily. The voice of experience shines through and it should be essential reading for counsellors in training and for those new to private practice."-- (02/03/2017)
"This is a succinct, practical and accessible guide to working in private practice. Useful, detailed information is provided throughout and serves to stimulate the reader's reflections, whatever their experience of private practice. Whether setting up a website, accepting payments by credit card, visiting clients in residential care, meeting data storage standards, filling in a tax return or creating a professional will, James Rye's considerable experience in the field shines through, and offers guidance to help practitioners make wise, workable decisions based on a thorough understanding of what is at stake and what options are available."-- (02/03/2017)
"This practical book is aimed at helping counsellors, both newly qualified and in private practice already, to understand what needs to be considered and done to run a successful private counselling practice today. It is packed full of useful information, tips and sensible advice from someone who has himself had a long and successful career in private practice."-- (02/03/2017)
