Even though you might be hearing about how private practices are all the rage, it is still a choice of preference. Owning and running a private practice may not be well-suited to you, or your goals for your work, and that's okay.
Your work in the mental health industry does not need to look the same as others.
If you haven't felt a pull to start a private practice but you can't pinpoint why, or if you think you'd like to try one but you're not sure if it will suit you, then listen in on this episode.
In this Episode:
Not being properly certified or licensed
Needing full income immediately
Don't want to work alone
If you don't feel confident in your skills
If you have a low stress tolerance
Lacking motivation
Being disorganized
Not being properly certified or licensed
You need to have your correct paperwork in order and filed properly before you ethically begin a private practice. If you open one without it, you risk legal damages and/or providing a service that you are not capable of doing (which could harm clients).
Needing full income immediately
One of the most common aspects of owning and running a private practice is that it can take a while for it to become profitable.
If you are strapped for cash or you need stable and reliable income, then starting a private practice won't be a great plan for you.
Don't want to work alone
Running a private practice can be a lonely experience. For the first few months or years it is often just you behind the desk, or in sessions with clients, and it can be rare for you to work in close quarters with another counsellor.
Many private practice owners actually seek out memberships or communities to join if they yearn for some professional friendships or connection.
If you don't feel confident in your skills
If you don't yet feel confident in your skills as a therapist, hold off on starting a practice until you have reached a more capable level.
Consider taking extra time to do more coursework, study with other great therapists, and get certifications so that you can feel more confident to provide effective and wonderful therapy.
If you have a low stress tolerance
Starting a private practice is stressful! There are many changing and unexpected variables that can throw you off course, as well as the fact that there are lots of responsibilities that will sit squarely on your shoulders.
I recommend hiring a consultant if you struggle with managing stress but you are excited to start a private practice.
Lacking motivation
If you lack motivation, it will feel like a constant uphill battle to keep working on your private practice. Rome was not built in a day, and neither are private practices!
Are you excited about the journey ahead of you, despite the challenges that you will surely face? If you are not in love with this idea, then wait a bit. Don't start something that you are dreading doing even before it's been launched.
Being disorganized
There are so many things that you need to do when you run a private practice, especially as a solo owner!
However, there are ways to get around this! Speak to a consultant about the basics of organizing and running a private practice to manage it with great systems. Consider outsourcing tasks to people as well, so that everything doesn't sit on your plate.
Connect with me:
Resources Mentioned and Useful Links:
Ep 97: Overcoming Sudden Obstacles in My Private Practice: Year Seven | EP 97
Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice
Article: How to Set Up a Canadian Private Practice Website
Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice
Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free)
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