Introduction.- Advantages and Disadvantages of Independent Practice.- Choosing the Practice Location.- Managing Your Time.- Financial Matters.- Practical Aspects of Client Work.- Engaging with the Process.- Marketing your Independent Practice.- Managing Risk: Day to Day Issues.- Managing Risk: Crunch Factors for Your Business.- Running the Practice and Support Networks.- Reflections on Private Practice.

Working in independent practice can be attractive to therapists for a myriad of reasons; however, the practical challenges can also seem considerable. How can you negotiate these challenges to build a thriving counselling practice that fits with your personal aims and professional ambitions? For example:• What do you need to consider when choosing your practice location?• Where does marketing and promoting your practice fit in?• How can you build a support network when working independently?These questions, and many more, are discussed in this compact guide. Written by two highly regarded authors and practitioners, the book gives hands-on advice and support in planning, setting up and running independent practice. Packed with tips, tools and practical strategies for you to find your own way of working, the book:• Explores issues of engaging with clients, from the first client intake interview to practical arrangements for holiday periods• Discusses managing your finances, including setting fee structures and the pros and cons of doing your own accounts• Pinpoints risk factors for working in independent practice and discusses practical ways to manage these• Encourages you to assess your own practice through reflective exercisesAn in-depth and practical guide to working independently, this is an indispensable tool for both counselling and psychotherapy trainees considering their career options post-qualification, and established practitioners looking to refine their practice and revisit their skills in light of changing ambitions and circumstances.

Successfully published and highly qualified authors bringing together contrasting professional identities and practice experiencesInsights from experienced therapists who have set up and run their own independent practice Reflexive Points to help understand your practice better and identify your own strengths and weaknesses using practical tools Packed with hands-on tips, tools and practical strategies about what to consider and how to manage your time, stress and the day to day issues that occur running an independent practiceExplores issues of engaging with clients, from the first client intake interview to practical arrangements for holiday periodsDiscusses managing your finances, including setting fee structures and the pros and cons of doing your own accountsPinpoints risk factors for working in independent practice and discusses practical ways to manage these