So IRL I was a therapist and I’m ABD on my doctorate. But for right now I’m doing the stay-at-home mom thing. I’ve been thinking of doing something part-time in the evenings and on my husband’s days off. I really want a flexible job, and preferably one where I can make my own hours.
So in thinking about various possibilities, I struck upon an idea. Why not do something I’ve already been doing for several years for free, but now get paid for it?
Basically, I’ve done a lot of work for friends and friends-of-friends as a career coach- helping people decide where their strengths are, come up with new job and career ideas, helping them find programs (when needed) for new training or education, and helping with their resumes. It’s gotten to the point where I have now developed my own worksheet and system for this sort of thing.
Does this sound like something that I might be able to work into a freelance sort of gig? I was thinking about scheduling people in the evenings and such, so it wouldn’t interfere with my childcare duties or their present work schedules. I’d meet them at their homes or at coffee shops/restaurants, etc. I’d provide a 1-2 hour initial assessment, plus follow-up sessions as needed for more advice, coaching, refining of goals, resumes, etc. I’d also be able to do some legwork for them about internship possibilities, educational/training programs, and expected salaries.
Is this something many people might be interested in? Would you be interested in such a thing? How much should I charge? As a client, would you prefer an initial charge for the assessment and advice session, plus a lower fee for additional sessions (as you saw fit), a package deal program, or the option of both? How much would you be willing to pay for such services? Is anyone interested in giving me a spin at this and then providing feedback for me? Obviously, if you were a “trial client” I wouldn’t charge you a dime.
Interesting question, inkleberry, and something I’ve been thinking about, too.
Can you tell me a little about your background? Are you an LCSW? Are you getting a doctorate in Social Work? How long were you a therapist?
essvee, are you a coach?
As far as your question inkleberry, I would say that there is definitely interest in this. I can’t answer any of your questions, but I do know that a therapist I know had mentioned that coaching is an area many therapists are interested in now that managed care has impacted their livelihoods so much.
I don’t know if this will help, but this is a website I’d been looking at. Perhaps you can find a coach in your area and do some informational interviewing?
That sounds great. I’m not sure I’d ever want to count on that for NEEDED income, but as a hobby/extra money/something to do, it sounds great. Put up signs around local colleges, I know many graduating students would go for something like that.
I’m getting my doctorate in psychology. I am not an LCSW, that’s a license for people with an MA in Social Work. In this state I’d be an MFT if I went for my license today. If I ever get my thesis done, I’d be a full-on doctor psychologist.
I did therapy and counseling for about 5 years (I’m still under 30). I worked in a lot of low-fee clinics, so I saw everything from schizophrenia to people who just wanted to explore themselves a bit more. I also have done a lot of trauma work, and was a rape crisis counselor exclusively for awhile.
I also have actually done graduate level work in coaching specifically as an adjunct to my doctoral program.
Hey - my Hubby could really use someone exactly like you. Have you considered pursuing this as an online career? You could take PayPal! Seriously - so much of this could be communicated in writing. Our co-pay for therapy was $20 per session anyway, would that be enough money to make it worthwhile?
My sister, who completed her PsyD a couple of years ago, was thinking about doing this. She never did finish her licensing. Being a shrink in a facility for troubled adolescents burned her out so badly she’s changed fields (I think she always wanted to be a musician full-time anyway).
You should email me off board and we will get things worked out.
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My sister, who completed her PsyD a couple of years ago, was thinking about doing this. She never did finish her licensing. Being a shrink in a facility for troubled adolescents burned her out so badly she’s changed fields (I think she always wanted to be a musician full-time anyway).
I will never, ever, so long as I live work with troubled adolescents again. The pay is shit and the work is brutal. They are definitely not an age group I want to tangle with.
I could totally use something like this. I’ve been trying for years to figure out what I’m going to do with my life. And I know a lot of people in my age group are in a similar position. You’d probably get a lot of business with this idea, inkleberry.
I think that on the CoachU site there is some guidance on setting up a practice (ie - not charging at first, or charging low rates in order to build up word of mouth and referrals).
Also, maybe you could do a couple of “Coach the Coach” sessions with someone who’s established for some practical advice? Or, perhaps you set up workshop which is free to give out the basics, and then if anyone wants to come in for an individualized session, then you would charge. Of course, adverts would highlight the needs of your target (ie- students have different needs from career changers or artistic types or business people). I hesitate to mention a specific number for initial sessions as you are building your practice, but I’ve read that a low number is fine in the beginning as you build word of mouth and referrals.
i think this is an excellent idea and i’m tempted to use you myself!
for adverts: i would definitely have some kind of testimonial section from the people you have already done this for. word of mouth would be huge. maybe put up flyers at local colleges? coffeeshops, etc…
i really like the idea of a flat fee for the initial “intake” or whatever and then of people want more sessions with you you can have a set fee or negotiate or whatever.
I can work by phone and email too. Address is in my profile.