Thinking of going into private practice?

ABOUT THE EPISODE

What we cover

Clinical psychologist and business coach Dr Rosie Gilderthorp talks through the realities of starting a private practice.

• Myths about private practice
• Costs and planning
• Networking and referrals
• CPD and business development

What does realistic private-practice planning include?

Dr Rosie Gilderthorp and Natalie discuss the realities behind common private-practice myths. Planning includes more than deciding to see clients independently: there are costs, practical responsibilities and business decisions that need to be understood before the work feels sustainable.

A realistic plan can make the move less dependent on either optimism or fear. It gives the therapist a clearer picture of what they are building, what support may be needed and which assumptions about private practice need testing.

How does a practice become visible and continue to develop?

Networking and referrals help potential clients and professional contacts understand what the therapist offers. This does not require becoming a different kind of person, but it does involve communicating the work and developing relationships rather than expecting a practice to fill itself.

The episode also includes continuing professional development and business development. Clinical learning remains important, while the therapist also needs to build the skills required to run and review the practice around the therapy.

Related listening: For the emotionally loaded parts of running a practice, listen to When Compassion Meets Cash: The Therapist’s Money Dilemmas on fees, cancellations and financial boundaries.