Don’t Panic - Plan
I wonder how your second week of online practice has been? NCS Registrant Suzie Mosson, a director of Online Training for Counsellors, has some expert advice for practitioners making this move. Whethe...
When it comes to finances, how do we balance our Business Need with Compassion?
Whether it is a sudden snow day travel issue, a client who is left upset or disappointed following their therapy experience or a student who has gone into training to see high hopes and future expectations dashed, a common cry we hear at the society is…
'but it's not my fault'
'it's not what I expected'
'I deserve my money back!'
Payment is undoubtedly a sensitive subject, one that can also feel judgement loaded.
At its basic level payment underpins value, so should we be surprised that refund is the instinctive recourse for many, to help ease their disappointment?
It is clearly defined in our complaints procedure that the society cannot act as 'dept collectors' in financial disputes, there are defined legal remedies. But perhaps we can as practitioners can use these 'snow day' moments to think about if we are doing all we can to protect both our business and our clients experience of our profession?
Our code of ethics does underpin the importance of contracting. To agree clear and transparent contracts (in writing where appropriate). Ensuring client understanding of the business and holding awareness of their expectation of therapy is our responsibility, as the professional in the relationship.
After all, at the end of the day our business is compassion.
Please follow the link to our code of ethics for further information about contracts.
https://www.nationalcounsellingsociety.org/about-us/code-of-ethics/.