Packages Vs Single Sessions In Private Practice
Not sure if you should offer single sessions or packages? We’ve got you covered with some advice!
I am passionate about helping business owners create business offers that serve clients, but also to build a business that serves themselves as well. “What to offer”, especially at the beginning of your business, is one of the most popular questions from dietitians interested in private practice!
In today’s blog, we’ll be talking about aligning your offer with your values, and the pros and cons of single sessions and packages.
Your Offer has to Align With Your Values
At Pursuing Private Practice, we believe that your business should reflect your core values.
This alignment not only builds trust with your clients but also ensures that your work is fulfilling and sustainable.
Burnout in private practice is real, but it’s much less common when you’re running a business that truly aligns with your values.
Different Types of 1:1 Offers
When starting your private practice, 1:1 services are likely going to be your foundation. You can offer 1:1 coaching services as single sessions or as packages.
Single Sessions: This is where you allow your clients to book single sessions. They book 1 session, and if they want to continue, they’ll book another session.
Packages: Packages are where you have different options for your clients to book. You may offer 3-session, 5-session, or 10-session packages.
Intensive Work: This is where you will work with a client 1:1 for a short amount of time, possibly a day, a week, or even a few weeks. But the work will be more intensive, and sessions might even be over a few hours at a time.
As your business grows, you can either continue on with 1:1 work or grow into a leveraged offer using your expertise in private practice.
Coaching Package Examples
Offering single sessions is pretty straightforward, but when it comes to packages, there are a lot of different options.
Here are some coaching package examples:
- Session Package: You could offer a package where clients sign up for x number of sessions.
- Monthly Package: You could offer an x-month package where patients sign up for x number of sessions for x number of months.
- Monthly Subscription: You could offer an ongoing monthly subscription where patients sign up for x number of sessions each month.
Pros and Cons of Single Sessions
Before you decide whether you want to offer single sessions or packages, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of both. Of course, this is going to be a personal decision, so I encourage you to make your own pros and cons lists taking into account your personal values and experiences.
Pros:
- Organization: With single sessions, it’s simple to organize and it’s very straightforward.
- Time Off: Nobody is locked into your sessions, so it’s easier to pick a week or two where you’re not going to schedule any patients.
- Avoid Sticky Situations: You won’t have situations where patients signed up for a package deal and then changed their minds.
- Easier for Insurance-Based: Insurance companies only reimburse for single sessions, and it aligns more straightforwardly with the billing process.
Cons:
- Projected Revenue: It can be more difficult to predict your projected revenue because you don’t know how many sessions patients are going to want.
- Time Off = No Money: If you don’t work, you don’t make money.
Pros and Cons of Packages
Now, let’s look at the pros and cons of packages.
Pros:
- Commitment: The client commits to a certain amount of time with you.
- Higher revenue: There’s potential for higher revenue.
Cons:
- Complicated System: Your organizational system is going to be more complicated.
- What Ifs: There can be a lot of unknowns with packages. For example, what if a client needs a higher level of care based on your recommendation? Will you refund the package?
- Pressure for Milestones: Having packages may put this pressure on your clients that they should be reaching a certain milestone by the time their package is up. Often, they want to “graduate” based on the transformation stated in the package.
We have an entire lesson on setting up your first offer in your private practice in Business School! We dive even deeper into the pros and cons of many different offers in business.
Lessons Learned
Over the years, I have experimented with lots of different offer types and I want to share some of the lessons I’ve learned.
- Flexibility is Crucial: It’s important to be adaptable and willing to change your offers based on what works best for you and your clients.
- Trial and Error: Don’t be afraid to try new things and learn from your failures. Every “failure” is a learning opportunity that brings you closer to finding what works.
- Client-Centered Approach: Always keep the needs and preferences of your clients at the forefront. This not only helps in retaining clients but also builds long-term relationships based on trust.
Setting Boundaries and Adapting to Change
We talk a lot about boundaries at Pursuing Private Practice, but they especially apply to the way your business is set up.
There may be times in business where you have to adjust your business model to better suit your life. For example, maybe you want to switch from fixed packages to more flexible single sessions.
You have to make decisions that align with your boundaries and allow you to manage your time.
Boundaries aren’t about just saying no, they’re about creating a sustainable practice.
Boundaries are flexible. They will change, grow, and evolve as your business and life do as well. Remember, change is the only constant in business.
Packages Vs Single Sessions In Private Practice & Coaching Package Examples: The Takeaway
We support business owners in creating an offer that aligns with their values and adapting to the ever-changing business and life needs.
Your business is an extension of you, and it’s okay to evolve and grow at your own pace.
Want to work with me to build your private practice?
Business School is a comprehensive 6-month program designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you’re fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you’ll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You’ll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you’re supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner. Learn more and apply here!
