Common Mistakes When Naming a Therapy Practice
The name you decide on is integral to establishing your identity as a practice. Avoid the following pitfalls when naming your private practice.
Using your personal name
Although it might feel like you’re adding a personal touch by using your name for your practice, there are some drawbacks to consider here.
One thing to keep in mind is if you plan on expanding or selling in the future, a personal moniker can actually work against you.
Complex words
Highly complex terminology might seem sophisticated, but it could potentially hinder brand recognition or alienate some clients. If clients can’t remember your name, or if they can’t pronounce it, your name could work against you.
If you’re unsure about a word or phrase, use these tips:
- Test out potential names by saying them out loud several times.
- Get feedback from diverse people, especially people from different cultural backgrounds, to gauge understanding.
Overly trendy names
Trendy terms or phrases might be good at the moment and initially attract attention, but like any trend, they probably lack staying power over time. Instead, choose timeless terms or phrases so your brand remains relevant even after a trend fades, which is almost certain to happen.
Cultural insensitivity
This one should go without saying, but it’s important to mention how imperative it is for mental healthcare professionals to demonstrate cultural sensitivity. When selecting your private practice’s name, be mindful of words that may have negative connotations across cultures, even if unintentional.
“Cultural competence begins with self-knowledge, so being aware of how the name of your practice may attract or discourage people from calling you has to be one of your priorities. Focus on your services and population, then add pleasant or positive words.”
Rushing your decision
One of the best tips for how to name your therapy practice is to go slow.
The name you select for your private practice is not something you want to rush into. Not taking your time as you walk through the naming process, or not doing proper research can lead to problems, including the potential for trademark infringement, inadvertent use of culturally offensive words or phrases, or adopting a name that’s difficult or unavailable to use digitally. Take your time and do proper research before you decide on a name.
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