Should Counsellors Offer Concessions? What to Consider Before You Decide

You became a counsellor to help people, but what happens when someone says they can’t afford your full fee?Do you offer a concession? A sliding scale? Say yes and quietly resent it – or say no and feel guilty?In this episode of the Grow Your Private Practice Show, I dive into one of the most emotionally loaded decisions counsellors face: whether or not to offer concessions in private practice. No judgment. No one-size-fits-all answer. Just a proper, honest conversation about the messy middle ground between compassion, sustainability, and valuing your time.We’ll cover:What “concessions” actually mean, and how they differ from pro bono or reduced ratesWhy so many counsellors feel torn about lowering their feesReal-world ways to offer concessions without getting taken for grantedWhether clients still value therapy if they pay less (and what to watch for)The role money mindset plays in how you feel about chargingMy own journey with offering concessions, and what I did.Whether you currently offer reduced fees or not, this episode will help you reflect, reset, and make a choice that feels right for you – not just your clients.✨ Related episodes:The Hidden Impact of Money Issues in Private Practice, with Cathy TowersShould You Offer Therapy Clients a Free First Session?🌱 Want support with boundaries, pricing and private practice marketing?Come join us inside the Grow Your Private Practice membership