Inquisitive.me

A question I get a lot from colleagues is: How much do you charge per session? For about a year and a half, I was definitely underselling myself—something people kept pointing out. Even some of my patients noticed and gave me extra because they felt cared for and wanted me to realize my worth.

I’ve raised my prices since then, and at first, it felt awkward—especially with returning patients. But to my surprise, they took it really well! Some even said they were happy to pay because of the results I’d helped them achieve—and that lifted any guilt around cost.

Honestly, compared to what a mechanic charges per hour, I’m probably still underselling myself. Funny how people often invest more in their cars than their own bodies. But I don’t really mind. For me, this is healthcare first. I’m here to take care of patients and teach them how to take care of themselves. I’m not “selling” anything—I’m doing my job.

That said, it’s hard not to question the ethics sometimes. I make money when people are unwell. Does that mean I should want them to stay sick longer so I don’t have to scramble for new patients? That just doesn’t sit right.

What bothers me most is seeing healthcare professionals push treatments or medications they know won’t really help—just to make a profit. If a doctor wouldn’t get their own knee surgery, why tell a patient it’s absolutely necessary? If a therapist can fix his ownback pain with specific exercises, why recommend just stretching instead?

If a patient wants a certain treatment, that’s their choice. But I think many have lost sight of what healthcare should be about.

I always ask myself: If I had this problem, what would I want? I’d want clear education, real solutions—not temporary fixes. I’d want to move freely and pain-free, understand how to manage my health, exercise properly, and know what to watch out for.

Most of all, I’d want a treatment that works—not for a couple of weeks, but for the long haul. And I’d want to know: What would my therapist do if they were in my shoes?

That’s what I strive to give my patients. I want them to never hesitate or wonder if their health is worth the investment—because it absolutely is.

Funny how people don’t blink at dropping money on tech gadgets or random online buys, but suddenly get stingy about their own well-being. One day, I hope that mindset changes. For now, though, I keep my therapy affordable.

But here’s the catch: cheap therapy can come across as less competent. People often associate price with quality.

I remember a lecturer telling us about a therapist who was fully booked and thought, “I’ll just raise my rates to get some free time.” Instead of scaring patients away, he ended up with even more bookings.

That’s the dilemma I’m wrestling with—a bit of a doom loop.

On one hand, I want my therapy to be affordable so I can help break myths and truly make a difference. On the other, a higher price can boost perceived competence and attract more patients, which means I can help even more people.

So where’s the balance? That’s the million-dollar question.

🧪 Let’s Experiment

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Are You Being Paid What You’re Worth?

Before anything else, ask yourself: Why are you doing this job?

If you’re employed, it’s totally fair to ask for a raise or some extra time off—especially if you’re adding real value. Sometimes your boss might even say how glad they are to have you. That’s your cue to speak up.

But if they won’t pay more, even when you know you deserve it, then you have a choice: stay and lower your effort, or stand your ground. I’ve been there. I thought, “I’ll just dial back my effort.” But it felt wrong. So I quit. I can’t work at half capacity—it’s just not who I am.

If you’re self-employed, the question shifts: Does your pricing reflect your true value and values? You have freedom to set your rates, but it matters that you feel comfortable with them and honest with yourself.

🎯 Try This:

Reflect on your pricing honestly. Are you undervaluing yourself because it feels easier? Or are you pushing your limits in a way that aligns with who you want to be? Set prices that honor your skills and your integrity.

🧠 Final Thought:

Feeling a little uncomfortable with your rates can be a sign you’re growing. But true worth means charging what feels right to you—not just what others expect.

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Keep it simple, stay curious, and keep learning—you’ve got this.

Take care,

Carina 🦊