Starting a Private Practice Common Questions
Questions
Do I Need to Have a Written Contract or Agreement With My Directees?
A written agreement between the director and the directee is always recommended.
Do I Need to Collect HST on My Fees?
If you earn less than $30,000 from your practice, you do not need to collect HST.
Do I Need a Business License?
In Canada, if you do not earn more than $30,000 and hence do not need to collect GST, you do not need to obtain a business license.
Do I Need to Issue Receipts?
Receipts should be issued to directees. An annual receipt showing all sessions and amounts will usually suffice.
How Much Should I Charge?
- Set a fee or give a sliding scale based on your directee’s income
- Setting a fee is a matter of prayer and ethical living
- The amount you choose is dependent upon the natural tension between providing accessible service to the directee and providing a source of sustainable income for yourself
Should I have Liability Insurance?
- It is highly advisable that you purchase liability insurance (or be assumed under your church’s liability insurance policy, if possible)
- If you work solely out of your own office contact the Canadian Council of Professional Certification or the Canadian Association of Pastoral Counsellors to purchase the insurance
- Indicate that you are not a mental health professional
What are Eligible Expenses?
- Check with a certified accountant
- Expenses directly related to your practice are deductible
- Example: office supplies, phone, mileage if you are driving to your clients, professional membership fees, supervision fees, conference fees
Readings
Private Practice Handbook
Browning, Charles and Beverley
Los Alamitos, CA: Duncliff’s International, 2000
ISBN 0-911663-77-0
Building your Ideal Private Practice
Grodzki, Lynn
New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2000
ISBN 0-393-70331-2
The Spiritual Guidance Handbook: Practical Methods for Developing a Spiritual Direction
or Counseling Practice from Beginning to Full-Time Employment.
Tallman, Bruce
Contact Dr. Tallman to order this book www.brucetallman.com
TSFC Resources
Location and Clientele
Article Private Practice
Starting a Private Practice in Spiritual Direction
Article Private Practice
Tyndale Association of Spiritual Directors Code of Ethics
Document / Download TASD
Spiritual Director Certification Information
Private Practice Website Resource
Experiencing a Retreat in Daily Life
Article Spiritual Formation