Charging for therapy isn’t just about the money—it’s about balance.
As therapists, we only have so much time and energy to give to our clients, and creating a space for healing and growth takes a lot out of us, even if it’s not something you can measure directly.
We are often natural caregivers who deeply value creating a safe space where real change can happen, helping clients improve their quality of life. I believe that everyone deserves good quality of life, but I have to be careful to prioritize my own quality of life too in order to be a good model of this to clients.
This means therapists really need to practice what we preach too. Taking care of ourselves first, setting healthy boundaries, and avoiding burnout are crucial. When we give away all our energy with little left for self-care, it can lead to exhaustion, low self-esteem, and even depression. Over time, this can also result in compassion fatigue*, making it harder to connect with clients and provide the quality of care they deserve.
Being fairly compensated allows us to prioritize our well-being, maintain the balance needed to continue showing up as our best selves for the people we work with. Fair compensation means we have access to resources to facilitate self-care—including rest time, social support, recreational activities, healthy food, and often our own therapy.
It’s also important to remember that your time and energy are precious, and no one is entitled to them without your consent. Saying no or setting boundaries, especially with people who seem to take more than they give, isn’t just okay—it’s necessary. Protecting your energy means you can show up fully for the things and people that matter most to you."
*Footnote for further reading:Figley, C. R. (Ed.). (1995). Compassion Fatigue: Coping with Secondary Traumatic Stress Disorder in Those Who Treat the Traumatized. Brunner/Mazel.
This book provides an excellent overview of compassion fatigue, its impact on caregivers, and strategies for mitigating its effects.
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