Building Your Ideal Private Practice: A Guide for Therapists and Other Healing Professionals

by Lynn Grodzki

A much-anticipated second edition to this classic practice-building text. Building Your Ideal Private Practice , a best-seller in its genre, is now fully revised after its original publication in 2000. Much has changed for therapists in private practice over the past fifteen years, including the widespread encroachment by insurance and managed care into the marketplace, the density of new therapists as over 600,000 therapists nation-wide try to stay viable, and the role of the Internet in marketing services. The revision of Building Your Ideal Private Practice is a comprehensive guide, updated with six new chapters and targeted for therapists at all stages of private practice development. It covers the essential how-to questions for those starting out in practice and explains the common pitfalls to avoid.

For those already in practice, worried about profitability in an age of increasing competition, the author offers informed strategies such as the best way to create websites and other online marketing to find clients, and then goes further to explain how to retain the new breed of fickle clients who shop for therapists online, but are hard to satisfy. Other new chapters support veteran therapists edging towards retirement, including how to sell a therapy business for a profit or whether to stay working solo or expand into a more lucrative group business model.

The revision comprises a complete, easy to use and fascinating business plan that shows therapists not just what to do, but also who to be in order to succeed. It adds depth, up-to-date information and a wealth of strategies to the original book, often referred to as the “bible” for therapists in private practice. Like the original, the revision conveys the author’s experience, optimism and warmth as she presents case examples, checklists and exercises to make the business advice come alive.

Whether you have insurance-based or a fee-for-service practice, this book will help you thrive.

Genres: Business, Psychology, Nonfiction, Mental Health, Counselling, Entrepreneurship, Reference

384 pages, Hardcover

First published April 15, 2000

Reviews

[Peter Skurr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worth reading. Strong American bias -still some good points that are applicable no matter where you practice.
Key points -
- Think about ideal client, try 'pull marketing' to get them to come to you.
- If you do not take control of the direction of your business then the market place will drive your business rather than you driving your business.
- Market yourself and your business, all the time. In this instance it is the number of people who know about your business rather than the depth of the relationship you have with others in promoting the business.
- Think about what you really want, and drive the direction of the business towards this all the time.

[Kelly McKay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very useful read for anyone considering opening a private practice. The information was based on American service providers, so a lot of the insurance and co-pay information wasn't for me. Overall Lynn makes many great points. I loved her input on packaging services, points on community and mantras for business success. In post graduate learning there is zero training on how to run your own business, so I am thankful that Lynn has published this book! Recommend for anyone (not just psychotherapists) who is in the healing profession and looking to build their practice.

[Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some excellent thoughts. It could have shortened up on the new agey bits about positive self-statements and what not and focused more on the practical elements of running a business. However, in the parts about running a business there was a lot to learn and I will probably be returning to this in the future.

I always appreciate an author who has a strong voice and Lynn's voice is clear and articulate. I am grateful she wrote this book.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the book helpful at first, but somewhat dated, and eventually, very repetitive. I don't know how many times she said to "send out a newsletter," which is not relevant advice any longer, but also not worth reading ten times. After the first 8 or so chapters, it felt like she kept repackaging the same advice with a new chapter heading. I came up with some good ideas indirectly because of this book, but some of the ideas she relied heavily on (record audio tapes, sell other products, "add value) just aren't relevant for me. I was very invested initially, but began to skim in the latter half, and eventually just stopped within the last chapter.

[Chelsea Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read this book for a class but it was extremely helpful even after being a few years into owning a private practice. The affirmations and practical tips were all very logical and made me excited to try them and the chapters on potential next steps and growth had a lot of really good ideas.

[Bri Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

audiobook: took a lot of notes in the beginning - I’ll likely return to these. as the book went on, it became more niche and less relevant to me. big American bias, which detracted from the relevance.

[Trevor · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really practical guide to setting up a successful therapy practice. Geared to American service providers though.

[jj · Rating 4 out of 5]

An oldie but goodie. Back in the day, this book helped me start my private practice. I lost count how many people I've recommended this to.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for the therapist looking to start or build their practice. Reading this got me excited and energized. I have a feeling I will go back to the activities often to re-ignite my excitement and grow more as a business owner.

[Renee]

Ok, I'm only 2 chapters in, but I figure I need something to guide me through this new adventure in my life...

[Julene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for anyone with an independent private practice, it gives courage and great ideas. It was recommended to me by someone who is now quite successful.

[Renee Yesso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful with ideas for when I start my practice.

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lynn Grodzki provides a comprehensive road map to creating a thriving practice and maximizing your talents to help others.

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very useful information for anyone in private practice or any helping professional.

[LauraMaery · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the bits about energy, attraction, asking "the universe," and magnetism seemed somewhat touchy-feely for a business book, there was enough practical advice to earn it four solid stars.