This autoethnographic article explores my personal reflections when I was a newly qualified counsellor contemplating the prospect of establishing a private practice immediately after completing training.
In grappling with the tension between the excitement of independence and the fear of being unprepared, I draw on the theoretical insights of key writers such as Michael Carroll, Patrick Casement, and Cecilia McMahon. The piece employs layered, evocative and autoethnographic writing to capture my inner journey as I navigate the complexities of identity, supervision, and professional development. Through a personal lens, the article addresses both the temptations and dangers of early autonomy, emphasising the role of supervision as a lifeline.
I sit at my desk, the quiet hum of my laptop barely audible as I scroll through listings for office spaces. It’s surreal, this moment—the moment where I, a newly qualified counsellor, have the opportunity to carve out my own therapeutic space. Private practice feels like a beacon, a symbol of autonomy and professional freedom. Yet, it looms large with shadows. I find myself in the tension between excitement and trepidation, wondering: Am I ready for this? And, what will people (other more experienced therapists) think about me?
The temptation of independence is undeniable. In the final year of my training, I often fantasised about a therapy room of my own, a space that would reflect my values, hold my voice, and offer healing. with cushions and candles and super paintings - a fire even! Michael Carroll suggests in his writings on supervision, there is power in being able to design a practice that aligns with one’s own therapeutic identity (Carroll, 2010). This space could be an extension of me, somewhere clients would feel safe to explore their stories. But beneath that dream lies an unspoken question: What if I don’t know what I’m doing?
The Allure and Anxiety of Independence
The thought of selecting my clients, crafting my caseload, and deciding on therapeutic modalities excited me. I'd spent countless hours learning the theories, practicing the techniques, triad work and difficult sessions. But what happens when theory collides with the unpredictable messiness of real-life clients? The 'Oh Shit' moments, like a client bolting, or forgetting sessions, or client contact in between sessions. Patrick Casement’s words echo in my mind: “Real-world practice often reveals gaps in theoretical knowledge” (Casement, 1985). Oh, I know he’s right. I’ve felt those gaps during my placement. The safety net of supervision allowed me to navigate them then, but in private practice, there’s a stark isolation that felt oh so daunting.
Isolation—the very thing that should bring peace and focus—threatens to become a weight. In the structured environment of my placement, there was often, but not always someone to debrief with, a team or peers to lean on when the work became emotionally complex. But in private practice, the burden of difficult cases would be mine alone. As Robin Shohet and Joan Wilmot argue, the absence of a professional community can leave new practitioners feeling unsupported and overwhelmed (Shohet & Wilmot, 2011). I can already feel the solitary silence of the therapy room, heavy with the unprocessed emotions of my clients. Without regular, grounded supervision, would I be able to contain their pain?
Financial Realities and Ethical Pressures
The allure of private practice isn’t just about autonomy; it’s also about the financial potential. I’d be lying if I said that earning more than I would in a counselling placement doesn’t appeal to me. Working 100 hours for free was a huge commitment. Let alone then thinking I had to work another 350 free hours to achieve accreditation - I don't think so! The ability to set my fees, build a client base, and have financial independence was a seductive thought. However, Gerald Corey’s writings remind me of the ethical pressures tied to this financial freedom. He talks about how easy it is to lose sight of the client’s best interest when financial pressures take hold (Corey, 2015). Will I feel the weight of needing to fill my practice, pushing me to take on more clients than I should? Will I have the discernment to prioritise client welfare over my income, or will financial strain cloud my judgment?
Carole Falender and Edward Shafranske speak to this tension between ethical practice and financial survival, warning that without business acumen, new therapists can find themselves trapped in financial uncertainty, making decisions that may compromise their integrity (Falender & Shafranske, 2004). I feel these words deeply; they hit the core of me. I feel the pressure to succeed financially mingling with my desire to help, creating an internal conflict that could unravel my work. It’s this tangled mess that supervision could help me navigate.
Supervision offers a vital space for students considering private practice to navigate the complexities of ethical, financial, and professional challenges. I provide a supportive and reflective environment where these concerns can be explored with honesty and care. Together, we’ll address the practical realities of establishing a sustainable private practice while staying aligned with your values and the highest standards of client care. My aim is to help you develop the confidence, self-awareness, and ethical grounding needed to balance financial independence with a commitment to your clients’ welfare, ensuring that your journey into private practice is both fulfilling and ethically sound.
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References
Carroll, M. (2010). Effective supervision for the helping professions. SAGE Publications.
Casement, P. (1985). On learning from the patient. Routledge.
Corey, G. (2015). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Falender, C. A., & Shafranske, E. P. (2004). Clinical supervision: A competency-based approach. American Psychological Association.
McMahon, C. V. (2005). The making of a therapist: A practical guide for the inner journey. W. W. Norton & Company.
Shohet, R., & Wilmot, J. (2011). Supervision in the helping professions (4th ed.). Open University Press.
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