The Sliding Scale Model
The Sliding Scale model is an economic justice tool developed by Alexis J. Cunningfolk and it requires your trust and solidarity. This model recognises that my clients will come from different economic backgrounds and allows me to charge them accordingly. Finances should not be a barrier to accessing affirming and person-centred support and this allows me to sustain my practice while offering my services to the widest range of people.
The image on the right will help you determine where you fall on the scale.
The highest tier reflects the true cost of the service. If you can comfortably meet all of your basic needs (food, housing, transportation) and can pay for your ‘wants’ and spend little time worried about securing necessities in your life - this may suggest that you have economic privilege and that the full price is suitable for you. this tier also helps to pay it forward and support the lower tiers.
The middle tier is for those who lie in between the bottom and full price. If you are struggling to overcome debt, build savings or move away from paycheck to paycheck living but have access to steady income and are not spending most of your time thinking about meeting basic needs such as food, housing and transportation, you belong here.
The bottom tier is for those whose lives would have a negative impact by paying the middle fee e.g not be able to put food on the table, pay rent or pay for transportation.
This can be a lot of information to take in, so don’t worry. In the initial consultation we will discuss this and I can help you to find an amount that is both meaningful and doable for you.