Raising your fees can bring up a surprising amount of tension, especially when you care deeply about your clients and the relationship you’ve built. It’s not just about numbers; it touches values, identity, and how you hold boundaries in your work.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through a way to approach fee increases that’s grounded in your actual financial needs, while still staying connected to the kind of therapist you want to be.

Ready to feel more calm and confident about your money?

Do you feel confused, ashamed, or uncertain about your finances? Are you craving support to help shift your money mindset and transform your relationship with money?

Are you ready to gain practical tools and the confidence you need to finally take control of your business finances?

If so, I’d love for you to join me for one of my free online workshops, designed specifically for private practice owners who feel stuck—whether it’s mindset blocks, avoidance, or the technical side of managing money.

In just one hour together, you’ll gain clarity, practical strategies, and next steps to move forward with intention.

Click here to explore upcoming workshops and save your spot or register to get the replay.

Letting Your Fees Reflect Your Values and Needs

Raising fees in private practice isn’t just a business decision—it’s a clinical one. When you base your fee on real numbers, like salary goals, taxes, and operating expenses, you create a foundation that supports your work.

From there, the focus shifts to how you communicate the change: naming it clearly in session, allowing space for your client’s response, and trusting that whatever comes up can be worked with. Giving thoughtful notice and expecting a range of reactions helps keep the process grounded. Over time, making fee adjustments a regular part of your practice reduces emotional intensity and supports long-term sustainability.

Setting Fees That Reflect Your Reality

Even when the math is clear, naming a higher fee can still feel uncomfortable—especially if you’re used to choosing numbers based on what feels manageable rather than what’s needed.

(00:03:24) Raising therapy fees effectively

(00:09:35) Ending the therapeutic relationship

(00:11:43) Discussing fee increase strategies

(00:14:54) Referral program for money courses

Making Space for Both Your Needs and Theirs

Bringing a fee increase into session creates an opportunity to practice direct, honest communication. Saying the new rate and pausing—without over-explaining or softening—allows your client to respond in their own way. Some clients will stay; some may need to adjust their schedule, and some may choose to end therapy. Supporting that process, without taking responsibility for the outcome, is part of maintaining a healthy therapeutic relationship.

Over time, approaching fee changes as a normal, expected part of practice (rather than something to avoid) helps reduce the pressure. It allows your work to remain sustainable; while still honoring the care and intention you bring to your clients.

Get to Know Linzy Bonham:

Linzy Bonham is a private practice therapist turned money coach who helps private practice owners and health professionals feel calm and in control of their finances through her coaching at Money Skills for Therapists and her podcast Money Skills for Therapists.

It all started when she saw her extremely skilled colleagues struggle with the money side of business. Some had even left private practice, or were avoiding starting one, because the financial side was too stressful.

So Linzy decided to help therapists and health professionals develop peace of mind about their money. Since so many were never taught these skills, she focuses on the “how” of making the business side of private practice doable, and even super satisfying.

Follow Linzy Bonham:

About Page: https://moneynutsandbolts.com/about/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linzybonham/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneyskillsfortherapists/

206: A Practical Approach for Raising Fees (While Honoring the Client Relationship)