Based on her 13 year career as a massage therapist, Celia Johnson sets out a 10-point plan to advise newly qualified therapists how to create a successful and fulfilling practice.

The first point is to set goals by considering the type of practice that you want, both in the long and short term, bearing in mind some idea of the type of professional progress you would like to make. Secondly you must strive for excellence in your field and you should charge an appropriate fee for doing so. Thirdly, identify your niche by promoting any special interest or area of expertise.

The fourth point is to establish a good reputation and here the author gives suggestions of how you might do this. Fifthly, you must be professional. This includes developing a suitable telephone manner and where appropriate, keeping in touch with clients' GPs.

Sixthly, taking out sufficient insurance is essential as is keeping full notes on clients (seven). These are useful for charting progress and will be invaluable if a complaint is made against you. If you keep computer records, you may need to register with the Data Protection Act – details on this are given at the end of the article.

The eighth point is about finance: if you are working on a self-employed basis, you will need expert advice from an accountant and independent financial adviser and you must register with the inland revenue.

The ninth point suggests strategies for combating the isolation of working alone and leads on to the last section on looking after yourself, which the author emphasises is crucial to staying healthy and working well.