Bad Practice Of Therapists

Therapists Should Not Break Confidentiality Except When it is essential to do so.

All therapists are legally required to maintain confidentiality for their clients. Confidentiality means that a therapist cannot confirm or deny even seeing the client if someone asks. Furthermore, they cannot discuss any revealing contact information, such as a client’s name or demographics, outside of the session. All therapeutic material remains private, and it stays between the therapist and the client.Confidentiality ensures a safe and supportive environment for clients to feel comfortable disclosing their thoughts and feelings. Clients can share what’s on their minds knowing that the therapist must protect those details. If a therapist runs into a client out in public, the therapist should not initiate contact unless the client makes the first approach.There are a few legal exceptions to this rule, and therapists should inform their clients on these exceptions before starting therapy. The exceptions for breaking confidentiality include:

• Disclosure or speculation of child abuse
• Disclosure of speculation of adult abuse
• Concern that the client is in imminent risk of committing suicide
• Concern that the client is going to commit a crime

It might be helpful for therapists to enlist the advice of other professionals. When this is the case, clients may agree to release information to various parties such as their parents or other family members, teachers, doctors, or members of any care team that they might have.

If you are in doubt then always check with whatever governing body you are connected to.

Therapists Should Not Break Boundaries

Effective therapy requires strong, reliable, and professional boundaries. Boundaries are the physical and emotional limits set between two people. As mentioned, therapy often includes clients sharing intimate details about their lives. Often, they reveal parts of themselves they’ve concealed from the rest of the world. It is an undoubtedly vulnerable process, and that’s why limits and guidelines are so essential.

Boundaries serve to protect the client. They honour and respect the client’s autonomy, aim to lessen the risk of emotional harm, and eliminate dual relationships. Dual relationships refer to situations where multiple roles exist between therapists and clients.

It should be noted that a dual relationship, at times, might be unavoidable. For example, therapists working in a small town might at some point run into each other or engage in the same activities outside of the therapy room. If this is the case, therapists should discuss the ramifications with their clients and may even refer them to another therapist.

Therapy can be tricky because therapists hold positions of authority and power over their clients. That’s why it’s their job to uphold the boundaries, even if a client wants or attempts to challenge them. Therapeutic relationships are professional. They are never friendships or romantic relationships.  It is never appropriate for a therapist to engage in sexual relations with a client.

There are many different kinds of boundaries, and each therapist may have different expectations for their clients. Some common therapeutic boundaries include setting:

• Precise start and end times for each session
• Avoiding or limiting self-disclosure to when it’s appropriate
• Expectations related to terminating therapy
• Specific directions for interaction in-between sessions
• Rules pertaining to payment and missed appointments
• Guidelines related to touch (i.e., hugging, shaking hands)

Generally speaking, clients shouldn’t have to guess their therapist’s boundaries. They should be reviewed and discussed in the initial consultation.

Finally, therapists must implement their boundaries with their clients. Clients should feel a sense of security in knowing that their therapist will commit to a consistent experience.

Therapists Should Not Provide Directionless Therapy

Therapy is a place for self-exploration, growth, and personal discovery. While each client has unique needs and goals for their improvement, there should always be a movement towards fulfilment and healing.

A therapist collaborates with their clients to create appropriate plans for their care. They do not meet with individuals haphazardly to just discuss daily events or struggles. They do not treat clients if they do not feel competent to help them with particular issues.

Goals usually include quantifiable goals, objectives, and interventions. Quantifiable goals extend beyond generic goals like “be happy.” Quantifiable goals refer to measurable intentions, like, “client will practice positive affirmations once a day, or the client will identify five activities that promote a sense of self-care.”

Therapists should discuss the goals and objectives with their clients, as this helps both parties track achievements and setbacks. Clients evolve at different paces. With that in mind, therapists should routinely check in with their clients to review progress and satisfaction. It may be beneficial to both parties to discuss what types of therapies are being utilized.

Goals need to be revisited and revised. It’s not uncommon for clients to enter therapy wanting to work on one issue only to discover they need support with something else. If this is the case, therapists and clients should engage in an appropriate dialogue about recharging the course of therapy.

Final Thoughts On The Therapeutic Relationship

Therapy is often a profound experience for clients seeking to improve their lives. It’s an opportunity for clients to exclusively focus on their own needs, dreams, and goals. It’s also a safe place to feel supported and encouraged by a mental health professional.

That said, if something feels wrong, it probably is wrong. If something feels like it’s being neglected or overlooked, it could be a sign of a red flag. Clients always have the right to terminate their therapy at any time and for any reason. If a situation starts to feel uncomfortable or unsafe, it’s within their absolute right to discuss their feelings or end the relationship altogether. A good therapist can help you improve your mental health.