How to Start a Therapy Practice in Your Garden Log Cabin

Starting a private therapy practice in your garden can be both a rewarding and practical move. With more UK professionals seeking to work from home and cut rental costs, garden log cabins offer an ideal solution for counsellors, psychotherapists, and life coaches. Here’s how to create a successful therapy space right in your backyard.

1. Check Local Regulations

Before you begin, ensure your log cabin complies with local planning permission rules. In most cases, if the cabin is under 2.5m high and not used as a separate dwelling, you won’t need planning permission. However, when it’s for business purposes, especially with client visits, always confirm with your local council.

2. Designing a Therapeutic Environment

Clients need a space that feels calm, private, and secure. Choose soft lighting, neutral colours, and soundproofing measures. Use natural textures and furnish the cabin comfortably. Many UK-based therapists recommend adding double-glazed windows to ensure warmth and quiet throughout the year.

3. Ensure Accessibility and Privacy

If you’re seeing clients in person, provide a clear, private path to the log cabin. A separate garden entrance is ideal. Ensure there’s enough parking or nearby access, especially for clients with mobility needs.

4. Get the Right Insurance

You’ll need professional indemnity insurance, public liability cover, and building/contents insurance specific to your practice and log cabin setup. Specialist insurers in the UK understand the nuances of working from a garden-based practice.

5. Register and Promote Your Practice

Make sure you’re registered with an appropriate professional body such as BACP or UKCP. Build a professional online presence, utilise directories like Psychology Today or Counselling Directory, and consider local Google Ads to target your area.

6. Maintain Work-Life Boundaries

Working from a log cabin can blur lines between personal and professional life. Set office hours, use a separate phone number, and avoid personal use of the cabin to maintain boundaries.

 With a little planning and care, a garden log cabin can become a peaceful, professional space to grow your therapy practice. It’s a cost-effective way to start or expand your career while offering clients the comfort and discretion of a home-based setting.