Where to Practice From? Location, location, location!


Closeup portrait of cute young business woman smilingOne of the key decisions in starting to practice is where to base yourself. It may seem like you have lots of options, or very few. Here are some ideas to consider, and help you choose:

  1. Home or Away: Working from home can be a good, low cost option, particularly if you have free space. Advantages include no travel time, appointments at times that suit you, and no rent to pay. Disadvantages include having to keep the area clean and orderly and some intrusion on your privacy. There may also be an impact on the tax status of your home and you will need to check your home insurance. Renting from someone else generally means they are responsible for the upkeep of the premises.
  2. Alone or with Others: Space that is used only by you means you can have it exactly as you wish, and you have total flexibility about the times you might work. However, unless you are working a large number of hours, it’s probably an expensive option. Sharing with others means that the room may be rearranged by them or that you may have delays in cross over times. If you only want to work a small number of hours it’s a more cost effective option. You may benefit from meeting other practitioners, even briefly, between sessions.
  3. Cost structure: Different arrangements are available. Some rooms are rented on an hourly basis, some on a block basis. An hourly arrangement, where you book and pay for the hours used, is cheaper in the long run, though the per hour rate may be higher, because you only pay for what you want. A block basis, while more expensive, in that you pay for the block whether you use it or not, gives more flexibility and security, as you can add clients to the extent of your block, without having to compete for space.
  4. Convenience: Is it conveniently located for you and your potential clients? Is it easy to find? Is there adequate parking nearby? Is it suitable for disabled access?
  5. chairsAmbience / Atmosphere: Does the energy suit you and the way you work? Do you feel comfortable? Is it quiet, friendly, or busy and active? What do you like? If you’re someone who likes to talk with your colleagues, a strictly enforced quiet rule may not suit you. On the other hand, if you like your work space to be sacred and serene, a radio playing 2FM may not fit for you.
  6. Gap in the Market or Just No Market: If there are no practices located in an area that you’re considering, it may be that there is genuinely a gap in the market, and this may be an opportunity for you. On the other hand, it may indicate that no-one is practising there because it’s not a good area for the type of work you’re doing. If there are no existing practices locally, and you decide to set up, you may have to educate potential clients and referrers to a greater extent than you would if you were setting up in an area where there are existing practices.
  7. Privacy: For some clients, privacy will be a big issue. Some people are easy with being seen entering a counselling or therapy practice. Others are not. This is so whether you practice in a city or from your own home in the country.
  8. Potential for Growth: Some locations will provide you with referrals, possibly for a fee. This may be an important consideration for you when you’re first establishing yourself. If you work as part of a centre with other therapists or healing professionals, you may be able to take advantage of situations where your colleagues can pass potential clients to you.
  9. Other bonuses: Again, working for a centre or in conjunction with others may bring bonuses in the form of peer or other supervision, training, or emergency cover.

Whatever you decide is the right location for you, remember that this decision does not have to last forever. Your needs starting out will change as your practice develops, so while it’s prudent to look ahead, don’t try to see to past the next bend or so in the road.

And one last word… if you’re looking to find the right place for your practice, don’t assume that you know all the options that are out there already. Google practices in your area, walk around the locality, and look up. Even if they’re not advertising that rooms are for rent, they may be open to it. So pick up the phone and ask them.

Happy hunting! And if you’re looking for somewhere in the Kildare area, maybe you’d like to join us at AnneLeigh.

If I can help you with any aspect of starting or developing a therapy practice, just ask. Please contact me here for an appointment or browse my services here.

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