Many of our students express interest on establishing their own private practices. Having your own business means you can have the flexibility needed to fulfil your family commitments, to have control of your life and to excel the quality of your services. Having that in mind, AIPC has developed some guidelines that may help you setting up your practice. Going into business for yourself is definitely not just a matter of opening the doors and putting out a welcome mat!
Promoting your Business
Professionals in the health and associated industries, including doctors, nurses, psychologists, counsellors, social workers, etc., often work from their own self-employed businesses, and as such are required to maintain appropriate trading and other records. When becoming self-employed it is natural that you wish to see your business thrive, and with this natural expectation in mind we ask that you try to set realistic goals. Don't expect that your business will flourish overnight, and don't expect it to grow unless you put in significant effort. Nurturing your business in the early stages is like most other things in life, you do the right thing by it and it will do the right thing for you.
- Talk to your family doctor and pharmacist and let him/her know what you are planning as you may have to make referrals to him/her. Many counsellors do get referrals from them and this is usually the result of establishing a meaningful trust relationship.
- Talk to your local naturopath/homeopath/physiotherapist and suggest an exchange of business cards. Explain that you would like to have someone specific to make referrals to and maybe he/she may care to reciprocate.
- One of the best ways to promote your business is by word of mouth, and one of the most effective ways to ensure that this happens is to run group activities such as Grief and Loss discussion groups.
- Advertising - use a simple and concise description of your services and advertise through relevant channels (e.g. yellow pages, newspapers "Health and Wellbeing" and "Professional Services" sections, etc).
Legal and Accounting Matters
Before you go into practice, whether it is on a full time, part time or volunteer basis, you should seek appropriate accounting and legal advice. Don't just set up shop. Get the right advice, it's well worth it. Setting up a business as a counselling practitioner carries with it certain responsibilities. You may ask yourself some basic questions, and ensure you have the answers for them before setting your business up.
- Should I register a Business Name and if so, how do I do it?
- Should I form a Trust of a Company and if so, when and how?
- Should I register for an Australian Business Number (or similar) and if so, how do I do it?
- Should I register for GST (or similar tax registration process) and if so, how do I do it?
- Am I required to register under Workplace Health and Safety Regulations?
- What kind of accounting format do I need?
- Do I need Insurance (indemnity or other) and if so, what?
Setting up your rooms
There are some aspects of your room that must be considered when developing a counselling practice environment.
Colours
Both room background and the décor colours should be modest, comfortable, settling and non-aggressive. Ideal colours include soft pastel shades including green, blue, lilac or cream.
Décor
It should be conservative and not include primary colours or items which are attention getting.
Space
It should neither be overly large or small.
- Seating: It should be comfortable and arranged in a circular plan. Lounge type chairs are preferable and it is important that you, the counsellor, sit at the same height as your clients.
- Smoking: It is unprofessional to smoke with a client.
- Seeking Counsel: If you are working with someone and you would like a second opinion never be afraid to let the Client know that this is what you want. Make sure you preserve the client's privacy by not passing on details such as name or contact details.
Keep yourself up-to-date!
If you are engaging into your own practice, it is important that you keep up-to-date with industry events, standards and innovations. As a solution provider, you ought to know what are the requirements of your clients, what is the quality level of your competitors and in which ways you can bring more satisfaction to everyone involved with your business. Magazines (e.g. The Professional Counsellor), the web, newsletters and industry associations are good sources of such information.
By applying some of these tips there is a greater chance you'll succeed in your own practice. As they say in business: Failing to plan is planning to fail!
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