Setting Up and Running a Therapy Business

James Rye started his private practice in 1997 and is now a Senior Accredited member of BACP. He works as a counsellor/psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, and trainer, as well as accessing clients and supervisees from throughout the UK and abroad.

Part I: Starting Up; 1. Why should I consider private practice?; 2. What qualifications, experience, and qualities do I need to start a private practice?; 3. What things must I do if I go self-employed?; 4. What should I consider if planning to work from home?; 5. What should I consider if planning to hire a room?; 6. What insurance do I need as a private practitioner?; Part II: Money Issues; 7. How much should I charge?; 8. How much can I expect to earn?; 9. How can I accept payment?; 10. Should I give a first session for free?; 11. Should I charge for sessions when a client doesn’t turn up or cancels with short notice?; 12. What are business expenses, and why do I need to bother about them?; Part III: Helping My Business Grow; 13. What are your tips for marketing my business? (1); 14. What are your tips for marketing my business? (2); 15. How can I use social media? By Laura Harley; 16. How can I get a website?; 17. What else can I build for longer-term growth?; 18. How can I increase the chances of an inquiry becoming a client?; 19. How can I increase access to my services?; 20. What about working for agencies?; Part IV: Other Practical Issues; 21. What can I do to increase my personal safety when working alone?; 22. Do I need to give clients a written contract?; 23. If I issue a written contract, what might it include?; 24. What do I need to do about GDPR?; 25. How could I introduce a written contract?; 26. How can I store my notes? 27. Do I need to register with the Information Commission?; 28. Can I work with clients in their own homes?; 29. Will I have to work evening and weekends?; 30. What should I do if I bump into my clients in my locality?; 31. What is a professional will and do I need one?; Part V: Miscellany; 32. What are outcome measures and should I use them?; 33. What is the difference between a sole trader and a limited company?