ABSTRACT

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.

part |37 pages

Money issues

part |22 pages

Marketing

chapter Thirteen|6 pages

What are your tips for marketing my business? (1)

chapter Fourteen|7 pages

What are your tips for marketing my business? (2)

chapter Fifteen|6 pages

What else can I do to help my business grow?

part |72 pages

Other practical issues

chapter Seventeen|3 pages

Do I need to give clients a written contract?

chapter Eighteen|11 pages

If I issue a written contract, what might it include?

chapter Nineteen|3 pages

How could I introduce a written contract?

chapter Twenty|6 pages

How can I store my notes?

chapter Twenty-Two|7 pages

What about working for agencies?

chapter Twenty-Three|8 pages

Can I work with clients in their own homes?

chapter Twenty-Four|3 pages

Will I have to work evenings and weekends?

part |35 pages

Miscellany

chapter Twenty-Seven|6 pages

How can I get a website?

chapter Twenty-Eight|9 pages

What are outcome measures and should I use them?

chapter Twenty-Nine|4 pages

What is a professional will and do I need one?

chapter Thirty|8 pages

How can I increase access to my services?*