What Are Money Blocks?
What Are Money Blocks? And How Are They Relevant to Therapists?
Have you ever found yourself hesitating to raise your fees, feeling guilty about charging for your work, or avoiding looking at your finances altogether? If so, you’re not alone—and you’re likely dealing with money blocks.
Money blocks are the unconscious beliefs, fears, and emotional patterns that shape how we think about and interact with money. As therapists, we help our clients recognize and reframe limiting beliefs all the time—yet when it comes to our own relationship with money, we often don’t realize what’s holding us back.
Where Do Money Blocks Come From?
Money blocks don’t appear out of nowhere. They’re shaped by:
Personal Experiences – Moments of financial instability, debt, past struggles, or even experiences of wealth can leave lasting emotional imprints.
Family & Cultural Conditioning – The messages we received growing up—whether it was “money doesn’t grow on trees” or “rich people are greedy”—still influence us today.
Systemic & Generational Trauma – Many marginalized communities have been historically excluded from financial security, making scarcity an inherited reality.
Professional Identity & Ethics – Therapists are often taught that financial success and ethical practice don’t mix, leading to self-sabotage in business decisions.
The result? Many therapists struggle with undercharging, overworking, or completely avoiding financial planning—ultimately leading to burnout and instability.
Common Types of Money Blocks in Therapists
While money blocks show up differently for everyone, they tend to fall into three major categories which the Trauma of Money™ calls financial disruptions:
1. The Financial Avoidance Money Block
“Thinking about money just stresses me out, so I’d rather not.”
Therapists with this block tend to:
Avoid checking bank accounts or opening financial documents.
Delay financial tasks like reconciling their books, taxes, or financial planning.
Push aside money decisions, hoping they’ll resolve on their own.
This avoidance often stems from financial trauma, shame, or simply never having been taught how to manage money in a way that feels safe and empowering.
2. The Financial Soothing Money Block
“If I just work harder, everything will be okay.”
Signs of this block include:
Overworking as a way to create a false sense of financial security.
Feeling uncomfortable resting or taking breaks, fearing it will lead to financial instability.
Using productivity as a coping mechanism.
Financial soothing through workaholism often stems from past experiences of scarcity, societal pressure around productivity, or a deeply ingrained belief that financial safety must be earned through relentless effort.
3. The Relational Money Block
“I don't want money to be a barrier to care.”
This is one of the most common blocks for therapists, especially those who deeply value equity and accessibility. It often shows up as:
Undercharging or offering sliding scale rates that aren’t sustainable long-term.
Taking on too many clients or working beyond capacity out of guilt or obligation.
Avoiding fee conversations altogether to prevent discomfort or fear of losing clients.
This block is deeply rooted in beliefs about worth, fairness, and what it means to care for others. Many therapists internalize the idea that making money and helping people are in conflict—but that’s a false story. It’s possible to do meaningful, ethical work and be financially well. And I’d argue, that it’s necessary to be financially well in order to serve our communities in the way we want to.
Why Money Blocks Matter
If left unchecked, money blocks can quietly sabotage our ability to create a sustainable, thriving practice and life. They can lead to:
❌ Chronic financial stress and instability
❌ Underpricing that leads to burnout
❌ Avoidance that keeps you stuck in survival mode
On the flip side, when we recognize and address our money blocks, we gain:
✅ Confidence in setting fees and financial boundaries
✅ A business that supports our well-being (not just our clients’)
✅ The ability to make empowered, intentional money decisions
Money blocks aren’t flaws—they’re protective patterns shaped by past experiences, trauma, and systemic influences. The good news? They can be unlearned. With awareness, reflection, and the right support, it’s possible to rewrite your money story and build a practice and life rooted in clarity, alignment, integrity, and stability. Healing your relationship with money isn’t just good for your business—it’s transformative for your life.
What’s Next? Overcoming Your Money Blocks
Now that you know what money blocks are, the next step is learning how to overcome them. Check out the next post “Framework to Help Overcome Money Blocks”, where I’ll break down how to shift these beliefs, reframe your money mindset, and start making financial decisions that align with both your values and your well-being.
In the meantime, if you’re ready to start healing your relationship with money, check out my Money Healing for Therapists resources and courses. Because you deserve a thriving, sustainable life and practice—without guilt or fear holding you back.