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 d