Is self-employment as a therapist right for me?

Many people decide to train as a therapist because they want to help people. Yet many training courses don't cover the business of therapy.

Is self-employment right for me?

I’m not sure how many people ask themselves this question before training as a therapist. Or if they do, don’t really give it enough attention.

Over the years I’ve had numerous conversations about being a therapist and very few seemed to focus on reaching that tipping point and growing a successful therapy practice. When we did discuss things like transitioning from part-time to full-time self employment, some aspects hadn’t been considered such as their ideal client or accurately costing their services.

Unfortunately, many therapy training courses do not go into depth about self-employment and the business of therapy.

Reality Check

In the UK therapies, such as acupuncture, hypnosis, BWRT, massage, havening, EFT, Human Givens, etc., would sit under the umbrella of ‘complementary’ or ‘holistic’ therapies. Practitioners are most likely to be self-employed either on a part-time or full-time basis.

Others who trained as counsellors, registered psychotherapists or psychologists will often find employment within the NHS or an organisation.

The good news is that in the UK over half of all self-employed businesses are still going after 5 years* (there aren’t individual figures for the therapy sector). In the US, the average wage for ‘speciality therapists’ in 2017 was $50,019, no doubt it has increased since then.

Going It Alone

You may have been involved in a family-run business or been self-employed in another capacity. You may have held a management position in a company or have experience of managing a family. You will bring with you many skills and abilities. Even with ‘life’ experience it can be daunting working for yourself especially as a therapist.

You need to be, among other things, :

self-reliant AND open to others to help you grow
cope with uncertainty (particularly financial) AND provide a stable environment from which to work with clients
organised AND flexible
a detail person AND a strategic thinker
present for your clients AND make time to look after yourself
a salesperson AND a therapist

Working for yourself means, certainly at first, you are ‘IT’. Everything from the provider of therapy to the ‘tea lady’.

Wearing many ‘hats’ can be confusing. It means being flexible and adjusting how you think about yourself. This is one of the 5 mistakes I discuss in another blog.

Go For It!

Despite what I have written above - Go for it!

And be aware of some of the challenges you might face as you work for yourself and grow your therapy practice.

I’m not saying this to put you off becoming a therapist. It’s the best thing in the world to work for yourself helping people change their life for the better.

Having said that, it is also helpful to be aware of some of the aspects of self-employment that can make people change their minds or only work part-time.

It can also be helpful to know that at some point you are going to have to make a choice - stay working part-time or go full-time as a therapist.

Grow in Confidence as a Therapist

You will grow in confidence as you learn more about the business of therapy as you move from part-time to a full-time therapy practice. You might find that there are free courses locally that help new start-ups. There are lots of online resources too.

Most therapists I know find their work as a therapist and business owner very rewarding. Yes, it can seem a struggle at times.

Sometimes you may feel you aren’t good enough. You will feel frustrated by the length of time it is taking you.

You are not alone, most therapists felt like this at some time when becoming established.

Remember your ‘Why’, keep focused on the small actions that will build over time and create a supportive network for yourself.

You will get there.

You can download my Is Self-Employment Right For Me self-assessment here. If having completed it you want some help get in touch.

Coaching for Therapists

PS: My 5 Top Tips Blog may give you some ideas AND don’t forget my Goal Setting mp3.

PPS: Remember to connect with me on LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram

* Office of National Statistics, UK

Categories: Private Practice