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
Starting a Private Practice in Spiritual Direction
Article Private Practice
Location and Clientele
Article Private Practice
Spiritual Director Certification Information
Private Practice Website Resource
Ethical Practices
Article Private Practice TASD
Tyndale Association of Spiritual Directors Code of Ethics
Document / Download TASD