Core Skills for Running a Therapy Practice


Ever wonder if you’re cut out for this business of running a therapy practice? If so, you’re not alone. Most of us received little or no training in how to set up or run a professional practice. If you’re lucky, skills and knowledge you gained before training will stand to you now. Here are some of the skills you might find you need in order to run a successful professional practice:binoculars

  1. The ability to see your practice as a business: Perhaps because of the type of work we do, many people find this difficult to do. However, it’s essential to be able to separate our own needs to earn an income from our clients’ needs. Having this ability allows us to make clear choices that serve us as well as those we serve. Being able to see the practice as a business, and charging a fair fee for our work is also good modelling for clients, showing them that we value ourselves, and that they can value themselves too.
  2. The willingness to promote ourselves and our work: In order to attract clients, we need to be willing to put ourselves out there. This will be easier for some than for others, but if we never tell anyone we are open to receiving clients, how will clients find us? Again, this comes back to a willingness to value ourselves and the work we do. If we believe in the value of our work, we will find it easier to promote it.
  3. The ability to create reasonable profitability and cash flow: Both profitability and cash flow are necessary to keep a business afloat. They are not exactly the same thing. Profitability is the difference between your income and your expenses. You need to generate enough income to pay your costs, plus whatever you need to take out of the practice for your own needs (including any tax due.) Cash flow is the day to day balance between what’s received and what’s paid out. There’s no point making lots of profit if you haven’t the money in the bank to pay your mortgage.
  4. Manage priorities: One important difference between being employed and being self- employed is having to manage your own priorities. When you’re working for someone else, they can larger determine for you what is most important. Those running their own therapy practice can be inclined to prioritise clients’ needs over their own. Matters such as generating new fee paying work and deciding on a long term direction for the practice can be pushed aside in the face of a client’s crisis.
  5. stop handAbility to say “No”: It’s not just therapists who can struggle with this one, but saying NO is an essential skill in self-care. Knowing what and how much work suits you, knowing when to stop, and when to hold a boundary are key to creating a practice that’s helpful for clients at the same time as being helpful for you. Knowing when you’re out of your depth and need to ask for help is also an aspect of this.

Whether your practice consists of seeing a few clients from your house, or employing ten therapists who work full time for you, these attributes are essential to creating the practice you desire.

If you are struggling with any aspect of running your practice, I can help you. Please leave your comment or question in the box below or contact me here for your free 20 minute consultation.