How do I build up a client base as a new therapist? I’m not yet fully registered with UKCP.
I'm not sure how this would work if you are not registered with UKCP yet, as most people in the know will be aware that they can look at the UKCP website to find registered and accredited therapists, so I will answer the question more generally.
Building a client base can be a source of anxiety for many therapists, and it is often one of the reasons people fear going into private practice. Although this fear is a reality, (private practice is a business after all and some businesses do fail), there are many clients out there who are looking for therapists. So you may not initially be able to solely support yourself with PP, but it is achievable, and in many cases you can earn even more money.
There are three main ways of building up a client base, word of mouth, referrals and promotion. Word of mouth and referrals often go hand-in-hand. Ask yourself, do you network with other therapists? Do you refer to other therapists? People are not going to be able to refer to you unless they know there is a you to refer to! Networking as a therapist is essential, not just for referral purposes but also to be around like-minded people who understand the complexities of the work that we do. Think about joining (or starting) a study group or a supervision peer group. These are great opportunities to meet other therapists who will get to know you and your work and therefore will be better able to know what type of clients to refer to you. Let them know that you are open to new clients, and any specialities that you may have, so that you stand out in their minds.
Next we come to promotion. Promoting oneself can initially be extremely difficult, as the idea of selling Therapy might bring up some complicated feelings in you. However, it is a reality that Therapy is providing a service and the therapist needs to be paid for it. Paying for promotion such as your own website, or profiles on various therapist websites such as Psychology Today, The Black and Asian Network, or the Counselling Directory, are important ways of getting your name, face and work out in the therapeutic world. Even if you have profiles on these websites, I would recommend having your own website. Clients like to get a feel of who you are before they reach out, and your own website gives you free rein to describe what Therapy means to you and what type of therapy you practice.
Building up a client base means being brave and putting yourself out there. The ways I’ve mentioned above are the primary methods of doing this, but you could also consider social media, writing a blog or putting out enquiries on therapist forums saying that you are open to new clients.
Building a client base take time and effort, but it is almost always worth it as you will eventually get to pick the clients that you work best with and therefore, the ones that you have the greatest hope of helping.
Good luck with it!
Lesley.
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