The impact of the economic crisis on the private practice of counselling and psychotherapy: How much are clients and therapists "worth"?

The present paper will explore the impact of the current economic crisis on the work of psychologists and psychotherapists, who work within the context of private practice. Whilst people's needs for psychological therapies seem to increase, a significant number of clients may no longer be able to bear the cost of private therapy. At the same time, a substantial number of therapists may be confronted with real problems of viability of their private practice. Psychologists and psychotherapists practicing in times of financial crisis face significant professional and ethical issues, which may pose marked challenges on therapeutic relationship, process and outcome. Money carries both a real and a symbolic meaning. Personai fears, anxieties, as well as issues of self-worth, dependency, anger and guilt related to psychotherapy fees may arise and manifest within the therapeutic dyad, particularly so through processes of transference and countertransference. However discussion of financial matters seems to remain a 'taboo' subject within the gulfs of psychotherapy. This new economic reality brings therapists up against new and unfamiliar financial and professional issues, which they are called to manage, in order to preserve the viability of their practice, the ethical conduct of their profession and ultimately client growth and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]