Concept of A “Professional Will” Not on Most Counselors’ Radars
May 2nd, 2008 |
A GoodTherapy.org News Update
Death is not a subject most people like to contemplate, especially their own death. Even though counselors are trained to help people prepare for death and cope with death, few are eager to examine the implications of their own death. Sadly, counselors are not immune to horrific acts of crime, as in the case of the murder of a psychologist in New York back in February. While one’s counseling practice may be the last thing on family members’ minds in such a situation, a professional will, just like a personal will, provides assurance that one’s practice is taken care of ethically and responsibly. How many counselors/therapists have a professional will? Very few. In fact, according to Psychotherapy Finances (April 2008), only 1% of surveyed members of the American Psychological Association had a professional will. Why would a counselor need a professional will? Well, consider the following. In the event a counselor dies, what happens? Who notifies the clients and how? What happens to the counselor’s client files? What happens to the counselor’s office? Who notifies the counselor’s insurance company? Who resolves finances associated with the practice? These and other questions can be answered in a professional will.
So what kinds of things should a counselor include in a professional will? According to Kenneth S. Pope, Ph.D., ABPP & Melba J.T. Vasquez, Ph.D., ABPP , the first step in developing a professional will is assigning an executor of the will. Who does the counselor trust with such a task? Ideally, another mental health professional who is familiar with one’s practice is the best choice. Planning out and reviewing the professional will with the chosen executor allows the counselor to have assurance that both clients and the practice are taken care of responsibly in the event of the counselor’s death. Given the lack of information on this subject, it is important that counselors are made aware of professional wills and are provided access to resources for establishing a professional will.
By Lori Payne, LPC-S Click here to contact Lori and/or see her GoodTherapy.org Profile
©Copyright 2008 by GoodTherapy.org All Rights Reserved. Questions or concerns about the following article can be directed to the author or posted as a comment to this blog entry. Click here to contact Lori and/or see her GoodTherapy.org Profile
That is so fascinating that I have never considered this aspect of this profession. That would be terrible to have to let clients know about the death or illness of his or her therapist, and I too think that it is very important to have a specially designated person to fill this role as this could be devastating to someone who trusted and valued this therapist.
I think this would be terirbly difficult on a patient to lose their confidant in the middle of their treatment program. They could potentially lose any progrees that he or she may have made.
I actually have a little experience with this. I have a friend who was going through some counseling sessions and suddenly the therapist got very ill and had to take an extended leave of absence. My friend was turned over to a new therapist but it really took so much time to get the recovery momentum moving again because he had been so comfortable with the old therapist and now had to learn to trust and learn from someone new all over again. It did turn out well in the end but it took time.