Setting up in therapy private practice is exciting – but let’s be honest, it can also be overwhelming.
Maybe you’ve just qualified and keep hearing, “So, are you going to go into private practice?” And you say, “Yes… soon,” while quietly panicking inside. Or perhaps you’ve been meaning to take the leap for months (or years), but every time you sit down to start, you freeze. There’s just so much to do – where on earth do you begin?
If this is you, you’re really not the only one. In fact, it’s exactly where I started too.
If you prefer to listen, I also have a podcast that explores this topic. You can listen below.
If you would like to subscribe to the podcast, click here.
I Felt Overwhelmed too
When I finished my diploma, I stayed on at my placement to get more experience. And slowly, the questions started coming: “Have you thought about private practice?” I had. But I was completely stuck. I didn’t know where to start, where to work, or how to find clients.
The turning point? Someone offered me a room to hire. Saying yes to that was my first real commitment – and suddenly, I had to work out the rest. That one decision gave me the push I needed to get started. And if you’re stuck in a similar place, I want to help you find your version of that first step.
Why We Get Overwhelmed When Setting Up a Therapy Private Practice
Setting up in private practice often feels overwhelming because we only see the end result. We look at other therapists’ websites, social media, or marketing and think we need all of that – right now. But what you’re seeing is usually their finished product, not the messy, imperfect beginning they started with.
It’s easy to think we need:
- A beautiful logo
- A five-page website
- A flawless social media strategy
- A polished directory profile
But the truth is – you don’t need any of that to get started. What you really need is a minimum viable practice.
What’s a Minimum Viable Practice?
This is the smallest version of a private practice that still works. It’s enough to get you going, without demanding perfection or a huge investment of time or money.
Here’s what you actually need to start:
- A place to work – this could be online from home or a rented room
- Insurance and supervision
- A way for people to contact you (email or phone)
- A way for people to pay you (bank details or PayPal)
That’s it.
Notice what’s not on the list? A website. A social media plan. A fancy business name. Even your paperwork (like contracts) can be created once you get your first client – in fact, having a deadline often motivates you to get it done.
When It Comes to Marketing – Start Even Smaller
Marketing can feel just as overwhelming as setting up. But again, start with the minimum. You don’t need everything at once.
Your first marketing steps might be:
- Letting people know you’re available
- Reaching out to your supervisor or contacts
- Listing yourself on a directory
- Creating a basic Google My Business page
Even talking to one person about your work is a form of marketing.
Katrina, one of my podcast guests, got her very first client through her supervisor. She didn’t have a website or a logo – just someone who recommended her. You can read more of Katrina’s story HERE
How to Actually Get Started: The Tiny Steps That Work
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, shrink the task down until it feels doable.
If “update my directory profile” feels too big, break it into:
- Look at other therapists’ profiles as if you were a client and see which one speaks to you and why
- Read a blog about what to include (I’ve written quite a few on this!)
- Write one sentence today
If you’re still stuck, go even smaller: just visit the directory. Just read your first paragraph. Just make a list of words that describe your work. That counts.
Pro tip: Pick one task at a time.
It’s tempting to try and do everything—but that only adds to the overwhelm. Focus on one step, finish it, and celebrate the win. Then move on to the next.
Tools That Help: Timers, Community, and a Bit of Permission
If you’re struggling to get going, try:
- Setting a timer – just 5 or 15 minutes. Tell yourself, “I’ll work on this for 10 minutes and then stop.”
- Getting support – share your goal with someone who will cheer you on (my Therapy Growth Group is great for this).
- Permission to start messy – you can improve things later. This is your first draft, not the final version.
Progress, Not Perfection
I still haven’t got a logo for my coaching practice – and I’ve been running it for years. But that hasn’t stopped me from helping people, attracting clients, or growing.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by setting up your private practice, remember:
- You don’t need a perfect plan.
- You just need a starting point.
- Small steps count – and they build momentum.
Ready for Help with Your First Steps Towards Therapy Private Practice?
If you’d like gentle, step-by-step support to get your therapy private practice off the ground (or back on track), I’d love to help.
In Therapy Growth Group, I share simple action steps, community support, and practical tools to get your marketing working—even if you’re starting from scratch.
Find out more and join us HERE.