Running Your Own Therapy Practice: It Isn’t Glamorous – But It Is Worth It

Justine
Jun 25
2 min read

From the outside, running your own therapy practice can look like a dream. Flexible hours, meaningful work, being your own boss. And while those things can be true, the day-to-day reality? It’s not always so shiny.

At Bucks Family Network, many of our therapists have made the leap into private practice — and we know first-hand that it isn’t glamorous. It's real work. It's emotional work. And often, it’s invisible work too.

What People Think It’s Like:

Cosy therapy rooms with soft lighting and perfectly made herbal tea
Gentle schedules with gaps between sessions for journaling and self-care
Clients who always show up, make progress, and say thank you
A steady stream of referrals and glowing testimonials
Instant professional freedom

What It’s Actually Like:

Chasing invoices, replying to last-minute cancellations, and rescheduling sessions on the fly
Writing notes at 10pm, staying on top of CPD, admin, GDPR, supervision, and safeguarding
Managing social media, your website, bookings, referrals — all while holding emotional space for others
Balancing care with boundaries, especially when working with trauma, crisis, or burnout
Feeling isolated, wondering if you’re doing enough — or too much — and still showing up with compassion

Why We Do It Anyway

Because we believe in the work. We believe in people. And because despite all of the mess and behind-the-scenes effort, there’s something powerful about offering someone a safe space to be seen, heard, and held.

Being a therapist is never just a job. And running a therapy business isn’t just about business — it’s about ethics, care, and community.

And while it may not be glamorous, it is deeply meaningful.

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

At Bucks Family Network, we aim to support therapists and clients. Whether you’re an established practitioner or just setting out, we’re building a network of professionals who value connection, supervision, and shared learning.

We offer:

A platform to share your work and reach more clients
Supervision and support from experienced therapists
Opportunities to collaborate, write blogs, and grow your practice
A community that understands the highs and the hard bits

If you’re someone seeking therapy — know that every therapist you see is doing more than you might imagine behind the scenes. And they’re doing it because they care.

Interested in joining us or starting your therapy journey?

Visit www.bucksfamilynetwork.com to find the right therapist — or to explore how we can support your professional path.

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