Money Conversations in Therapy: Why I Ask Every Client How Much Money They Make & Why You Should Too [Episode 121]

Money conversations in therapy are often avoided, but why are we so comfortable discussing trauma, sex, and family dynamics while tiptoeing around finances? In today's episode, I tackle the elephant in the therapy room: should you ask your clients how much money they make?

I've been there too - feeling weird about bringing up finances with clients. But I realized this avoidance wasn't serving them or me. Money shapes our clients' reality and our work sustainability. I’m sharing my favorite approaches to introduce money conversations in therapy that build rapport rather than damage it. Plus, we explore how to normalize money talk from intake forms to ongoing sessions, and why understanding your clients' financial circumstances is crucial for effective sliding scale implementation.

If you've ever felt uncomfortable discussing fees or noticed resentment creeping into your therapeutic relationships, this episode will give you straightforward guidance on creating financial transparency that benefits everyone involved. Let's get honest about money in therapy!

Topics covered on Money Conversations in Therapy:

• The importance of having clear criteria for sliding scale fees to avoid resentment and confusion.
• Real-life examples for you to introduce money conversations in therapy.
• The benefits of exploring clients' family history with money.
• Counter-transference that may arise when having money conversations in therapy.
• How to prioritize your own financial needs without feeling guilty.

Resources from this episode:

• The Fee Formula: https://www.thebadtherapist.coach/feeformula
• Liberated Business: https://www.thebadtherapist.coach/liberatedbusiness

Connect with Felicia:

• Get my freebie & join the email list: The Magic Sheets
• Instagram: @the_bad_therapist
• Website: www.thebadtherapist.coach
• Facebook group: Healing Money

Related episodes you might enjoy:

• Breaking Taboos: How to Talk About Money with Your Therapy Clients [Episode 47]

Quote:

"It's super weird that we talk to our clients about all sorts of very intimate topics, and then we get so weird around money." - Felicia