Why I No Longer Sell Therapy Packages
For a time, I offered therapy packages—bundled sessions sold in advance at a set price. Many life coaches and even some therapists structure their business this way, promoting packages as a way to commit to growth. But over time, I realized that selling therapy in packages often does not serve the client’s best interests. Here’s why I changed my business model and why ethical therapy should focus on flexibility rather than rigid pricing structures.
The Appeal of Therapy Packages
Therapy packages are marketed as a way to:
- Ensure clients commit to long-term work.
- Offer a discounted rate for those who prepay.
- Provide financial predictability for the practitioner.
While these benefits sound practical, they create ethical and practical concerns that can undermine the therapeutic process.
Why I Stopped Selling Therapy Packages
1. Therapy Should Be Flexible, Not Rigid
- Clients progress at different rates, and therapy should adjust to their needs. For a deeper understanding of personalized therapy approaches, read this article.
- A set number of sessions can create pressure to “use up” paid sessions even when a client may no longer need them.
- Some clients need short-term support, while others require long-term care—a package does not account for these variations.
2. Prepaid Packages Can Create a Financial Barrier
- Clients who might benefit from therapy may hesitate to commit due to the high upfront cost. To explore the benefits of sliding scale pricing in therapy, click here.
- Sliding scale pricing allows therapy to remain accessible, whereas packages often cater only to those who can afford bulk payments. For a discussion on ethical fee structures and accessibility in therapy, read this article).
- Paying per session ensures that clients only pay for what they actually need.
3. Packages Can Lead to Financial and Ethical Conflicts
- If a client decides therapy is no longer right for them, refund policies can become a source of frustration. For insights into the risks associated with package pricing in therapy, read this article.
- Some therapy practices make packages non-refundable, which can discourage clients from leaving an arrangement that no longer benefits them.
- Ethical therapy prioritizes client needs over financial structures—not the other way around.
4. True Commitment Comes from the Client, Not the Payment Model
- The assumption behind therapy packages is that prepaying makes a client more committed.
- In reality, commitment to therapy comes from personal readiness, not financial investment. Learn more about fostering genuine client commitment by reading this article.
- Clients who feel pressured by a prepaid model may attend sessions out of obligation rather than genuine need.
The Alternative: A Client-Centered Payment Model
Instead of packages, I now offer a flexible, session-by-session approach where:
- Clients can attend therapy at a pace that suits them. If you’re seeking flexible, client-centered therapy options, feel free to contact me.
- Payments are made one session at a time, reducing financial risk.
- Sliding scale options keep therapy accessible without requiring large upfront costs.
Final Thoughts: Ethical Therapy Puts Clients First
Therapy should be about meeting clients where they are, not locking them into preplanned structures. While coaching and business models often prioritize package sales, mental health care should focus on client needs, ethical flexibility, and financial accessibility. By moving away from therapy packages, I have been able to provide a more client-first approach that truly supports individual healing.