How to Determine Your Services as a Therapist
As a therapist, one of the most important aspects of building a successful practice is clearly defining the services you offer. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your existing offerings, having a clear understanding of what you provide will help potential clients understand how you can support them.
1. Consider Your Skills and Specialties
Determining your services starts with reflecting on your professional training, experience, and areas of expertise. Start by taking a close look at the type of work you enjoy doing and feel most competent in.
Reflection Questions:
What therapeutic modalities are you trained in?
Do you have specific experience and interest in areas like trauma recovery, OCD, or depression?
Are there particular age groups or populations you feel drawn to working with?
2. Understand the Needs of Your Ideal Client
In a previous post, I gave suggestions for how to identify your ideal client, so you may want to check that out. Once you know who your ideal client is, you can brainstorm about what they might need in therapy. Consider their common challenges and most effective therapy approaches.
Reflection Questions:
What mental health issues or life challenges are most common for your ideal clients?
What are they seeking to gain from therapy—transformation, relief from pain, coping strategies?
How can your expertise and therapeutic approaches address their needs effectively?
3. Diversify Your Offerings
Therapy services can extend beyond the traditional 50-minute individual sessions, and by getting creative with what you offer, you can meet your clients where they are. Think about the different ways you can serve your clients’ varying needs and lifestyles. A few ideas might include individual therapy, group therapy, couples therapy, therapy intensives, extended sessions, or even workshops.
Reflection Questions:
What offering ideas appeal to you and your needs?
Which offerings do you think would be most beneficial for your ideal client?
