Sliding Scale: The Green Bottle Method
A sliding scale is a pricing system that adjusts costs for services or goods based on the client’s income, wealth, or ability to pay. This system promotes accessibility by allowing those struggling financially to pay a lower rate.
Fox Leaf Therapy reserves limited spots for sliding scale clients and uses a sliding scale based on the Green Bottle Method (designed by Alexis J. Cunningfolk, wortsandcunning.com), a values-based approach to pricing that recognizes we all have different levels of access to financial resources.
How It Works
Imagine a shelf of bottles filled with varying levels of green liquid, each representing a different price point. You choose the bottle that fits you best—no justification required.
Referenced below, “basic needs” include food, housing, health care, and transportation. “Expendable income” might mean you are able to buy coffee or tea at a shop, go to the movies or a concert, buy new clothes, books, and similar items each month, etc.
Full Bottle:
Top of the Scale
The full rate reflects the true cost of therapeutic services. If you are able to pay for “wants” and worry little about securing necessities in your life, this price point is for you. Your ability and willingness to pay at the higher end of the range help make lower-cost spots available for others.
Half-Full Bottle:
Middle of the Scale
You may choose this bottle if you do not find your current circumstances reflected in the bottles representing the top or bottom of the scale.
Partial Bottle:
Bottom of the Scale
If meeting basic needs like health care, housing, food, or child care is a challenge and you’re living paycheck to paycheck or carrying significant debt, this tier is likely the best fit for you.
Trust and Reassessment
This Green Bottle model is rooted in mutual trust, equity, and community care. There is no application process or requirement for proof of income. I trust you to honestly choose the bottle that is right for you, and we will have a very brief conversation about it if a sliding scale spot is available.
Every few months, I will check in to see if your circumstances have shifted and whether paying at a higher rate feels possible, helping make lower-cost options available to others.