Private Practice Support: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started

If you’re a psychologist or psychotherapist considering private practice for the first time, it can feel overwhelming knowing where to begin. From setting fees to managing admin, there’s a lot beyond the therapy room. You work hard to complete your qualification but no training programme teaches you how to set up and run a business. The right therapist private practice support can make all the difference.

That’s why I’ve created a unique coaching programme designed to support psychotherapists and psychologists as they set up and navigate the early days in private practice. This can be tailored to be an individual programme or group coaching programme.

If you’re wondering how to set up a private practice, manage the business side of therapy, or simply gain more confidence in the process, this guide will walk you through the essentials and show you how to access structured, supportive coaching to get started.

Why Private Practice Feels Overwhelming at First

Many therapists dream of private practice because it offers flexibility, autonomy, and the ability to shape your own career. But the early stages often bring challenges such as:

• Setting therapy fees that feel both fair and financially sustainable
• Navigating tax and self-employment rules
• Managing admin, contracts, and client records
• Marketing your services for the first time
• Staying connected and avoiding professional isolation

Without a roadmap, it’s easy to feel lost and that’s exactly why private practice coaching for therapists exists.

The Foundations of a Sustainable Private Practice

Before you start taking clients in private practice, it’s worth spending time on these key foundations:

1. Structuring Your Practice – Decide when and where you’ll work, how you’ll manage annual leave and sick days, and what kind of clients you want to see.

2. Business and Financial Basics – Understand your responsibilities around taxes, pensions, and insurance. Learn how to set fees confidently and when to consider joining insurance panels.

3. Legal and Ethical Requirements – From GDPR compliance to writing robust therapy contracts, ethical business practices keep both you and your clients safe.

4. Marketing for Therapists – Create a simple, sustainable plan for attracting clients, whether through therapist directories, social media or your own website.

5. Building Your Support Network – Running a practice can feel isolating. Make sure you have professional peers to consult with, celebrate wins and discuss challenges.

Your Private Practice Made Simple: 3-Month Coaching Programme

If you are looking for guidance help with all of this, our Private Practice Foundations coaching programme is designed to support psychologists and psychotherapists in the crucial early stages of setting up a private practice.

This 3-month group coaching programme runs every September and is perfect for:

• Newly qualified therapists setting up private practice
• Experienced psychologists exploring private work for the first time
• Counsellors transitioning from employment to self-employment
• Anyone wanting structured support to launch or grow their practice

You’ll gain clarity, confidence, and the practical tools needed to build a
sustainable, ethical private practice.

What To Expect:

• Bi-weekly group coaching sessions (Fridays 12–2 pm) – max 4 participants per group
• Downloadable workbook – includes everything you need to get started including templates, contracts, creating a risk assessment and checklists
• Ad hoc in-between session support – get guidance and feedback as needed via email

Coaching Programme Includes:

Structuring Your Practice

• Deciding when and where you want to work
• Managing annual leave, sick leave, and pension planning

Practical Business Essentials

• Taxes and finances for self-employed therapists
• Setting fees confidently
• Understanding insurance panel applications (pros and cons)

Legal and Ethical Considerations

• Writing therapy contracts: payment terms, cancellation policies,
handling client crises
• Working from a GDPR-compliant position
• Understanding indemnity insurance for therapists
Marketing Your Private Practice
• Social media, therapist directories, and building your website
• Navigating tricky conversations around boundaries, fees, and
client expectations

Building a Support Network

• Staying connected
• Avoiding isolation
• Maintaining professionalgrowth

You’ll leave with clarity, confidence and the tools to set up your practice ethically, sustainably, and in a way that fits your lifestyle.

Who Is This Coaching Programme For?

This programme is ideal for:

• Psychologists starting private practice
• Psychotherapists setting up private practice for the first time
• Counsellors exploring private work options
• Therapists transitioning from employment to self-employment

Why Join?

Starting private practice doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With step-by-step guidance, personalised support, and ready-to-use templates, you’ll have everything you need to move forward confidently.

• Learn how to set up private practice as a therapist
• Get real-world insights from someone who’s been there
• Connect with other therapists in a small, confidential group

Why Support Matters

Private practice doesn’t have to be a lonely journey. With the right structure and guidance, you can avoid common pitfalls, stay motivated, and feel confident in both the therapeutic and business sides of your work.

How to Join

If you’re ready to take the next step, the next Private Practice Foundations cohort begins this September. Spaces are limited to keep groups small and focused. Reach out today to secure your spot.

FAQs

Who is the Private Practice Foundations programme for?

This programme is designed for psychologists, psychotherapists, counsellors, and other mental health professionals who are starting private practice or transitioning from employment to self-employment. Whether you’re newly qualified or exploring private work for the first time, the coaching will give you practical tools, clarity, and confidence to set up and grow your practice.

What will I learn in the programme?

You’ll cover the essential foundations of private practice, including setting fees, managing finances, meeting legal and ethical requirements, marketing your services, and avoiding professional isolation. You’ll also receive templates, contracts, and checklists to help you implement everything you learn.

How is this coaching different from other training?

Unlike generic business courses, this programme is specifically tailored for mental health professionals. It addresses both the therapeutic and business sides of running a practice, with small group sizes for personalised support, ongoing feedback between sessions, and practical resources you can use immediately.