No claim is made to cure any medical condition. Complementary health assistance must be with medical doctor's permission and following the client consulting a medical doctor.

What is good value in therapy?

The old adage that you get what you pay for does largely apply. However you should always take steps to verify that the expensive service is genuinely of a high standard. 

There are practitioners out there who charge high fees in an attempt to look senior. 

Genuinely senior therapists, who invest in ongoing continuous professional development, and who have quality premises will charge quite highly in order to make a fair return for their investment. 

This also tends to be an indication of experience and personal service. Frequently the "cheap" therapist is either a "hobby" therapist, or very junior without the experience or confidence to provide or charge for a quality service.

Many therapists have more than one location, and clients may find fees vary according to location. Simply the therapist may have far greater rent and transport costs in some areas.

The most highly qualified and senior therapists are often considered consultants in their field. Consultants are usually "fellows" of reputable professional bodies, have at least 10 years experience and have real, meaningful qualifications. They frequently have training, assessing or supervisory roles as well as clinical practice.

Worrying bad practice in therapy

There is a worrying new trend with very media savvy therapists charging thousands per month for coaching services. In some cases this may be justified, but on the whole one wonders how this can really be value for money.

Job titles make a huge difference to the sum charged.  Psychologists tend to charge very highly at frequently time and a half compared with psychotherapists. (Cardiff figures £65 v £95 2005). This is ironic when most clients need the change work of psycho therapy, rather than the modelling analysis if psych ology! When court assessments or insurance assessments and therapy work come into it, the figures are even more amazing with psychologists earning many £100s for 1 to 2 days work.

Find out about us and our commitment to meaningful Nationally Accredited Standards! CLICK HERE

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Avoid Psychologists? 

So clients are advised to be cautious of psychologists and life coaches who are not already established and reputable therapists. Avoid "life coaches" who have done a series of weekend courses for promised high earnings! If you doubt their existence, do a web search for life coaching training!

Warning:

There are National Occupational Standards (NOS) set for most therapies and for general health and mental health care. There are also a number of Nationally accredited qualifications including ASET, NVQ and University courses. Always ensure your therapist is well qualified and obeying the National Occupational Standards for their therapy!

So what should I expect to pay for therapy?

Ok, as a guide only: for psychotherapy, counselling, hypnotherapy and similar, between £30  with a junior therapist in a cheap area, to £150 in an expensive area, more in Harley Street or for a genuinely senior practitioner. This assumes an hourly rate. The current average rate for a well qualified and experience therapist does vary and might be £200 in Harley Street, £100 in Birmingham / Bristol / Manchester, £65 Cardiff, £60 Glasgow / Edinburgh. These are rates that are being charged at the moment by qualified therapists, but this is a guide only. I am merely providing information, not a judgment.

Our rates vary from practice to practice. In some locations our overheads are lower, and we pass on those savings to clients. In other locations we have very heavy costs, and these are then split  between a reduced profit margin for us, and the charge to the client. In most locations some reduction is possible for benefits / students / low income (with evidence).

Efficiency through experience in therapy. Advantages of a Senior Consultant.

Of course the more experienced the therapist, the more efficient they tend to become. This means faster results or less frequent sessions being needed. for example when I first qualified, clients paid less per hour, but because it took me longer to guide them to success, they often spent more than my consultancy rate clients of today. Which would you rather?12 or more weekly sessions with a junior therapist at £40 a go, or 4 or 5 monthly sessions at £100 each with a consultant. Not only is the cost similar overall, but the payment frequency can work out easier monthly, and the time commitment is easier. Especially if you factor in time off work.

Hopefully the above will give some useful hints to consider. Do read the guidelines on qualification. Also feel free to email if you need some advice. As a professional therapist, supervisor and assessor I am dedicated to trying to lift industry standards.

Advice on qualifications HERE

 

 

 

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