As a supervisor of other hypnotherapists, I often get asked if hypnotherapists should advertise their prices.
Some people have a clear answer; no, they should not.
Other therapists, such as myself, believe we should advertise our prices.
So who is right?
There is no easy answer to this debate. However, I will provide some of the arguments from both sides.
But before we do this, I will explain to those who need an update on UK hypnotherapists.
What do hypnotherapists do?
A hypnotherapist uses therapy and hypnosis as a way of helping people with a wide variety of problems, including emotional problems, performance issues, medical problems, habits and more.
Hypnotherapists provide therapy with a tool called hypnosis. They may practice hypnotherapy as a standalone therapy or as part of psychology, counselling and coaching.
Most UK hypnotherapists are private practitioners. Many are sole traders, but some also have limited companies. This means that hypnotherapists have two main roles: practitioners and business owners.
Consequently, hypnotherapists need to market their business to attract clients so they can help them.
Just like anyone else, hypnotherapists need to earn money, so charging is part of this, although some hypnotherapists may do some voluntary work as well.
Many UK hypnotherapists, therefore, have websites and post regularly on social media.
Some state their prices, and some do not.
Why some hypnotherapists may not advertise their prices.
Here are what I believe are the five most common reasons why hypnotherapists don’t publish their prices.
- This is a personal preference. Some hypnotherapists feel uncomfortable about discussing money as they just want to help clients, yet they also realise that they need to earn a living.
- They are worried that clients will only assess their worth on prices. This is true. Some people’s priority is to find the cheapest hypnotherapist. By not advertising and encouraging a potential client to contact the therapist, the hypnotherapist can discuss their service, develop rapport and show their worth.
- This is standard practice in the health and well-being sector. Many counsellors do not advertise their fees unless encouraged to do so in directories. Private doctors and psychologists also do not advertise their fees.
- Some therapists provide a customised service, so the price will vary according to the client’s needs.
- Some therapists don’t want to get into a price war as they feel that this will devalue the profession.
Why do some hypnotherapists advertise their prices?
In contrast, some hypnotherapists choose to advertise their prices. The five reasons might be
- They want to be open and honest about everything. Transparency is essential in the business.
- They already have enough clients, so they probably don’t worry about the clients who only want the cheapest rather than the best service for them.
- They provide lots of information on their website so the client can also judge the hypnotherapist’s credentials, experience and value against the price.
- Displaying prices can position the therapist in the market. For example, if a premium service is offered with extras, then this can be seen.
- Advertising prices encourage commitment by the client.
What is the publics’ view about transparent pricing?
Again there are mixed thoughts and feelings about this.
Many people like to know the financial cost of things before they approach someone to buy a product or service, especially if finances are tight.
Other people may already know the price because they have used the services before or are more interested in the results than the price. Perhaps these people see the value of the service more and are prepared to have a discovery call first before broaching the subject of payment.
Of course, there are some people who have sufficient funds, so they don’t think about money.
Pricing for hypnotherapist services
Every hypnotherapy business will have a pricing strategy in which the value of their service is considered with their overall costs and their earnings.
Generally, hypnotherapists have many hidden costs that the potential client may not consider. For example, there are professional memberships, insurance, continuing professional development and administration costs.
This means that the costs will vary with each hypnotherapist, and this is often reflected in their pricing. For example, hypnotherapists who practice in a city will have additional office accommodation costs to someone who works online.
In contrast, someone who works online may need different insurance and more equipment.
Updating and professional development are considered essential, so there may be more outlay for a junior hypnotherapist who wants to do more training.
Finally, I have thought a lot about my clients when developing my pricing strategy. As I often help people with anxiety issues, I do not want them to feel more uncomfortable speaking about money if this is a difficult area for them. Clearly, advertising my prices allows people to make choices without enduring more anxiety. I offer packages so that they can get a discount and include additional things, such as an audio recording to listen to at home.
Find out more and get a free initial consultation by going to my website www.awakenthechange.com
