Setting Up and Running a Therapy Business

Book excerpt: This book answers the questions that therapists frequently ask about setting up and running a business. It allows readers to successfully make the journey from being trained in how to conduct professional therapy sessions to running a growing private practice. The material covers a range of issues including: registration with HMRC, money issues, marketing, insurance, and whether to work from home or other premises. The book addresses a number of practical questions, such as: Do I have to register with the information commission? What can I count as legitimate business expenses? What mistakes should I avoid when marketing my practice? How can I easily and cheaply accept card payments from my clients? What help can I get to manage my phone calls? How can I get a website? and, What can I do to increase my personal safety?As counselling in the twenty-first century changes, an increasing number of therapists are using technology to write and store notes, and to communicate with clients - either to arrange appointments, or to conduct them.