How To Create a Therapy Office Both You and Your Clients Will Love
Setting up your therapy office can be an exciting and rewarding experience. I’ve always found great joy in creating beautiful, welcoming spaces. When I opened my private practice, setting up my office was my favorite part. The feedback from my clients and even people passing by has been overwhelmingly positive. So let’s get you started on setting up a healing space that both you and your clients will love.
In this post, we'll explore how to design a therapy space that both you and your clients will love. Here’s what we'll cover:
Choosing a color scheme
Selecting comfortable furniture
Incorporating personal touches
Maximizing the right light
Adding sensory elements for relaxation
Choosing a Calming Color Scheme
The colors you choose for your office can significantly impact the mood and comfort of your clients.
Most therapists might tell you to opt for soft, neutral tones like light blues, greens, or beiges. If this is your vibe, go for it! Remember that the more comfortable you are in your space, the more comfortable your client will be. I have a lot of blue in my space both because I love it and it’s soothing. However, I also have a lot of bright colors. My couch is bright green, and clients love it.
Check out these items that I’ve used in my office to create the color scheme that suits me:
Selecting Comfortable Furniture
Comfortable furniture is essential for creating a welcoming space. Invest in high-quality chairs and sofas that offer both support and comfort. My clients often praise the cozy velvet couch I have in my office which I found after much searching. Be mindful of the color of your furniture, the first chair I chose for my space was white (eek) and it did not hold up well. Sit in various chairs to find the chair that you are comfortable in and have space to move around in. Remember, we sit most of the day and our comfort (and back health) is important!
Here are some of my favorite furniture pieces:
Incorporating Personal Touches
Adding personal touches can make your office feel more inviting and unique. Your office should be a reflection of you! Now that you are a business owner, your office is part of your brand. Include items that reflect your personality and interests, such as artwork or plants. Choose a few key pieces that make you happy and incorporate them into your design, the great part about this is they don’t have to be expensive. I love flowers, so I bring in fresh flowers each week that I buy from a local florist.
Here are a few decor items that could add personality to your office:
Maximizing the Right Light
Ideally you would have natural light in your space which can enhance the mood and atmosphere of your office. However, this isn’t always possible (my first office was a storage closet in a basement #socialworklife). When natural light is not avilable opt for warm lighting. It creates a cozy and soothing environment.
If you do have a window in your office arrange furniture to take advantage of windows and use light curtains to diffuse sunlight. Moving my desk to face the window transformed the energy of my office. Experiment with different layouts to maximize natural light.
Find light curtains and other lighting solutions here:
Adding Sensory Elements for Relaxation
Sensory elements can help clients feel more at ease during their sessions. Consider using pillows, soft blankets, and sound machines. Remember sound machines are more than just about that soothing sound, they also help protect your client’s confidentiality! My clients love the palo santo I burn; it helps them relax as soon as they walk in. Try out different scents and textures to find what works best for your space. I also love adding a basket of fidget toys - my clients young and old express appreciation for them.
Check out these sensory elements for a calming environment:
Creating a beautiful and functional therapy space can transform your practice. By choosing calming colors, selecting comfortable furniture, incorporating personal touches, maximizing natural light, and adding sensory elements, you can design an office that both you and your clients will love. Remember, your office is a reflection of you and should be a space where you feel comfortable and inspired.
Ready to start designing your dream office? Explore these recommended products to create a welcoming and soothing therapy space. Your clients will thank you!
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