The Value of Therapy

Whether or not it qualifies as a recession, it's clear that we are experiencing an economic slowdown across the nation. You may have seen the impact of this in your practice - fewer calls, or more potential clients who are 'price shopping'. This can be distressing, but you don't need to panic or start looking for another job. Instead, you'll want to continue to work on marketing yourself as effectively as possible, and a key component of this is helping clients understand the value of coming to see you for their therapy needs.

If client are going to be more careful with how they spend their dollars, then it's important you convey how and why you are the best therapist for them. Help your potential clients to believe that you will be providing them value for their money. What are some of the ways you can do this?

1) Define your "ideal client" as well as the services you provide to this target population.
2) Convey these qualifications on your website and in your other marketing materials.
3) Get professional looking business cards, that don't demonstrate they're "free."
4) Work on a phone script (or several even!) to help you discuss your strengths with a potential client, so when they inquire about your fee, you can reply with confidence, as well as begin building rapport, so the client responds to you in a positive manner.
5) Have confidence in your skills and your ability to help others, and remind yourself of this before speaking with clients.

There will always be clients who are shopping for the 'lowest price'. That's okay - there are still plenty of people out there who will invest the money in a service that provides them with clear value. Continue to believe in yourself and your skills. We know therapists who are having record months right in the midst of this economic downturn, there's no reason you can't do it, too!

Money: Is It the Root of all Evil?

Did you miss out on the conference today? Well then, here's what you missed!

Explore what money means to you...finances is one of the top 3 reasons marriages fail. Your relationship with your client also has the possibility to fail if you aren't able to identify your own values and how that will impact the therapy.

If you tend to scrimp, you may find it difficult to invest money into yourself and your practice. This results in the possibility of not buying nice furniture, wall art, or other amenities to spruce up your office. It also may hinder you from budgeting for conferences, which can help you improve your skills.

You may use money as a gauge for your emotional success. When you're doing well, you feel great and invest more into your practice and yourself. When your practice is slow, you may take it personally and become panicked, or start to engage in self-depricating behaviors.

For more great information, sign up for more teleconferences at my site Ask! Believe! Achieve!