How to gracefully raise your rates when you have long-term clients

A therapist in private practice asked me a great question recently: 

“What's your recommendation for raising my rates in a way that still honours my relationship with my current clients, but allows for more income in my practice?”

I love this question!  

And I love her dedication to her clients getting what they need, while also growing her business.

In our private coaching container, we explored her vision for her therapy practice and what was actually true for her and her clients, we landed on the following for her (keep in mind everyone and their business is unique):

Step 1 - I helped her get clear about her numbers; what she needs per year to be comfortable herself and take care of her family, and how many hours per week she's willing to work.

Step 2 - I helped her get clear about her zone of genius (where she is in flow with her work, having fun, and making an impact).  She got clear about her dream clients and their desires & struggles, and exactly how she can help them reach their goals.

Step 3 - She determined how many lower-priced spots she wanted to have in her practice which helped her feel in integrity with her value of social justice.  Then, of her current clients, she identified which ones were the best fit for those spots, and for how long.  

Step 4 - I helped her overcome her limiting beliefs that she was ‘taking advantage’ of clients by charging more money, and step into her power by redefining what her services are about, who they are for, and the transformation she helps people make that changes their lives, forever.  

She was able to make a plan for her current clients that felt supportive and respectful, while also making a plan for her business that matches her financial needs. 

She now has a thriving practice that feels aligned with where she's at in her career now, and very much in integrity with her values and mission :)

AND her income has grown by a third in 2 months!

Finally, she is on her way to working the hours she wants to per week that feel good for her energy and life-demands. 

The truth is, to step into the next chapter of your business, you may have to make some challenging decisions.

But those decisions will lead to better client-outcomes, more impact in the world, more joy in your everyday work and home life, and more income in your bank account.  

If you're ready to move your business into a highly-profitable, 12-hour work week with dream clients, let me know, I'd love to help you uncover a map to get you there!