A Facelift For Your Private Practice

Are you looking back to the “good ole days” when your practice was shiny and new . . . ? Remembering when your appointment book was full and you had a two week waiting list and wondering where all the clients have gone?

Well, I’m here to tell you that they are all still right here . . . right around the corner from you and they are wondering what happened to their bright and enthusiastic therapist that you used to be!  That’s right!  You heard me!  Any client will tell you that s/he would rather return to the same therapist s/he’s seen before rather than change to a new one.  They only change when they have no choice but to go elsewhere to get the help they are seeking.

If your old clients are going elsewhere for their counseling services, then it might be time for you to give your practice a facelift and that means taking a fresh look at your office, your office practices, and yourself.

Outside the Office

• Take a look at the appearance of your building.  Has it fallen into disrepair?  Does it need trim work or to be repainted?
• Is the landscaping well-tended?
• Is the parking for your clients easily accessible and is the lot well-lit?  Does it feel safe?
• Are the windows clean?

Inside the Office

• Inside the office, take a look at the paint on the walls.  Is it dingy?
• Is the carpet dirty or stained?
• How does your office smell?
• Is the lighting warm and welcoming?
• Is your office well-insulated for privacy?
• Is the temperature in your office comfortable?

Office Practices

• Does your office staff greet your returning clients as warmly as they greet your new clients?
• Is your staff well-trained on respecting clients’ privacy?
• Are you records safely locked away out of sight so that clients do not see information about other clients?

Self Check

• Are you taking care of yourself outside of the office?  Eating and exercising?  Getting enough rest?  Attending to your personal relationships?
• Are you arriving at the office in time to get settled in and appear calm and focused when your clients arrive? Or are you rushing in harried at the last minute?
• Are you scheduling your clients far enough apart that you have time to attend to phone calls, go to the bathroom, and complete your notes in between appointments?
• Do you have a plan for continuing your professional competency and are you following it? Are you continuing to learn new and interesting things to help you in your clinical work?

These are useful things to discuss with your peer consultation group.  A fresh pair of eyes can help you identify areas that need a bit of a facelift.  And, that, in turn, may help you re-engage some of those wayward clients.

Can you think of other areas in your practice that may need a facelift?  If so, I hope you will let me know!