Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When did the first Life Resolutions® practice open?
January 2001 in Brunswick, Victoria
What services does Life Resolutions® provide?
Counselling (individuals, couples, families, groups), Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), corporate programs, coaching, training, seminars, workshops, psychological assessments, reports and court representation.
What does being a Life Resolutions® Business Associate mean?
If you are granted a Life Resolutions® practice you will own your own private practice which operates under the Life Resolutions® brand. You will be part of the Life Resolutions® franchise network, which we call our Business Associate network.
Is it like a franchise model?
Yes. The program is based on the model of franchising which best suits the delivery of support and allows the Business Associate's practice to be as profitable as possible by removing business expenses such as administration, phone support, marketing, business advice, psychology supervision, professional development, accounting systems, costs of psychology assessment tools, etc. However, it is different to what most people know franchising to be. The typical franchising model was stripped apart with the assistance of industry experts and rebuilt to best suit the needs of psychology private practices.
The advantage also of using a globally successful business model, such as franchising, is that all parties are guided by the Franchising Code of Conduct.
What are the benefits of being part of a franchise network?
- Proven business model - the business know-how of the Franchisor is proven through successful franchises
- Branding - the brand name, image and brand awareness are already established, which minimises marketing costs for establishing a business.
- Advertising - ongoing advertising support for the brand is provided at costs that an independent small business operator could not hope to match.
- Training and Support - specialist and business training, guidance and advice is provided, both at induction and for the term of the franchise.
- Minimised functions - administration and management functions provided by the Franchisor.
- Launch support - support is provided during the start-up phase of the business, which includes assistance with site selection, supply of equipment and assistance from experienced staff.
- Transparency - all rights and obligations are clearly defined in a written contract.
What sort of previous experience is required to become a Business Associate?
You do not need previous experience in running your own private practice, or even working within a private practice, as full training and support is provided. You do however need to have full psychologist registration with the Psychologist Registration Board in your state. We also look for psychologists who have a passion for providing the highest level of client service and a desire to grow and develop a successful practice of their own.
What if I already own a private practice - how will the Business Associate Program benefit me?
The Program offers an opportunity to take your practice to a new level of business growth with strong infrastructure, great support and higher revenue. It also helps minimise the isolation some psychologists experience in private practice as well as stress and level of responsibility.
What kind of return can I expect from the operation of a Life Resolutions® Practice?
There are a significant number of variables affecting the performance of each individual practice, therefore we cannot give an exact indication of annual turnover. However at your initial interview, we will give you a look at a typical profit and loss statement to give you an insight into the typical earnings of a Life Resolutions® Business Associate.
Is training provided?
Yes. Once you are granted a Life Resolutions® practice, you will receive a week of training to learn all about how to operate a successful Life Resolutions® practice.
What support do I receive as a Business Associate?
Life Resolutions® provides set up and ongoing support to Business Associates including:
- Practice Establishment - The Life Resolutions® support team will source and negotiate property arrangements and fit out, equip and furnish the practice fully and hand you a key to the door. This includes computer hardware and software. It is a 'turn key' solution.
- Training and the Operations Manual - You will receive an induction and complete an initial training program, and receive an Operations Manual - which is your bible on how to run your Life Resolutions® private practice.
- Central Booking System and staff - Life Resolutions® provides, operates and manages a central booking system which each Business Associate has access to. Our Client Relationship Team is trained to engage with clients, take and manage bookings for you, eliminating the need to employ administration or receptionist staff.
- Marketing - Life Resolutions® National Support Centre develops and implements structured national and state-wide marketing strategies and relationship development programs to build the individual profile of each Business Associate.
- Client Service Program - Life Resolutions® operates a Client Service Program which includes a range of quality assurance measures to ensure the Network provides only the highest level of professionalism to its clients in an ethical manner.
- Dedicated support staff - in order to support the development of the practice and the professional growth and development of the Business Associate, Life Resolutions® employs a Business Support Consultant and a Psychologist Support Consultant to provide daily support and supervision.
- Resources and staff - Life Resolutions® employs a range of staff, at its cost, to grow and support the Life Resolutions® network. Staff includes National Support Centre management, administration support, business development, marketing, public relations, creative design, psychology support consultancy, business support consultancy, national and state Business Associate management, supplier management, property management, fit out management, accounting, IT, as well as events and seminars management.
How long until my practice is up and running?
The timing of your launch depends on several factors including your lease commencement date, which negotiated on your behalf by our support team. Generally speaking, you may be up and running from 1 to 3 months after being successfully granted a practice.
Can I keep my existing clients?
Yes. However, if you are not currently working for yourself, you will need to refer to the conditions set out in your employment contract.
Do I have to use a specific psychological modality?
No. Life Resolutions® supports many varied modalities of psychology and counselling, on the provision that it is ethical, professional and most importantly assists the client.
How large can I grow my Life Resolutions® practice?
As large as you want it to be. The model has been built to support a practice of any size.
Can I own more than one Life Resolutions® practice?
Yes. If you have demonstrated the capacity and ability to successfully operate your first Life Resolutions® practice.
Can I sell my Life Resolutions® practice?
Yes. You can sell your practice, though the psychologist who purchases your business needs to be registered and meet the same criteria that you were assessed with to become part of the Network. The Life Resolutions® model was built to allow you the opportunity to build a saleable asset.
Can I see a Life Resolutions® practice and talk to other Business Associates?
We insist that you do during the application process to allow you to fully understand what the Life Resolutions® Business Associate Program entails, and to determine whether it suits you.
For more information about how to become part of Life Resolutions® Business Associate contact us.