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Counselling Business Solutions

Practical support · Professional growth · Lasting impact

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Practice Start-Up Checklist

A practical, step-by-step checklist for counsellors and psychotherapists setting up in private practice. Work through each section at your own pace and tick off each item as you go.

1

Legal & Professional

Register as self-employed with HMRC and set up record-keeping
Arrange professional liability (indemnity) insurance
Maintain active BACP / UKCP / equivalent membership
Complete an up-to-date DBS check
Register with the ICO for data protection (GDPR)

2

Practice Setup

Choose a practice name and check domain availability
Set up a professional email address and phone number
Secure a consulting room or confirm online-only setup
Create a simple, clear professional website
Set up a dedicated business bank account

3

Client Systems

Choose a booking and scheduling system
Set up invoicing and a payment processor
Select a secure system for session notes and records
Prepare a client contract / working agreement template
Set up a confidential client intake process

4

Policies & Documents

Write a clear privacy and confidentiality policy
Define a cancellation and missed-appointment policy
Prepare a complaints procedure
Create a client intake / assessment form
Document your safeguarding and risk protocol

5

Clinical & Ongoing

Arrange regular clinical supervision
Plan your continuing professional development (CPD)
Build a referral network of trusted colleagues
Establish a crisis and emergency contact protocol
Schedule regular reviews of your practice and boundaries