You Get to Choose
Hello Colleagues!
As you know, I meet with groups of amazing therapists every single week.
This gives me a bird’s eye view of the things going on in our field, issues other therapists are wresting with, and some of the fallacies we are taught in grad school which simply do not serve us.
One of the topics that comes up time and again is offering sliding scale fees and/or pro bono sessions.
Should you do it? How should you do it? Etc.
As a therapist, you are a natural giver.
You were likely drawn to this field because of the support you received at some point in your life OR because of the support you needed and didn’t receive at some point in your life.
You have a helper’s heart and you want to serve others with your talents and skills.
And yes! That is a wonderful way to give back.
But guess what, offering reduced or free sessions is not the only way to give back.
If you are a new clinician or in a practice building mode, offering these sessions may reduce your income in a way you cannot afford.
Choosing to give back through your work is a financial decision that is personal and specific to your situation.
But offering this type of session is just ONE way to give back.
Instead, you might find it more helpful to have a break from work and do something else. Such as:
- volunteering at a food bank or homelessness prevention shelter.
- volunteering at your child’s school
- walking dogs and changing kitty litter at your local SPCA
- maintaining a shelf at your local library
- or recognize that it is not the right season for you to give more right now because as a first line worker, you are EXHAUSTED and need to give back to yourself and your family so you can continue to support your current clients.
I want to assure you that whatever you choose is right for you, IT IS OK! Trust yourself to choose what is right for you and your situation and ignore any unsolicited opinions that do not serve your best interests.
In my next post, I will talk about some ways you can give back with therapy work in a way that works with your practice.
