Comments on: 50 Warning Signs of Questionable Therapy & Counseling http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2008/02/12/50-warning-signs-of-questionable-therapy-counseling/ > Fri, 04 Jul 2008 21:26:26 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5 By: Donna Wallace http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2008/02/12/50-warning-signs-of-questionable-therapy-counseling/#comment-9785 Donna Wallace Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:34:16 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2008/02/12/50-warning-signs-of-questionable-therapy-counseling/#comment-9785 I am very sorry to hear of your experience of therapeutic abandonment, considered to be one of the most egregious problems in field of psychotherapy. If you feel you have been abandoned by your therapist or are in any other way being treated unethically or unprofessionally, you can report your grievance the therapist's licensing board. This should be fairly easy to find online be searching for "your state" and "the therapist's specific license or title" and the word "board." There are thousands of great therapists out there; be sure to shop around and follow the guidelines on this site and others in selecting your next counselor or therapist. I hope you will not be too discouraged by this experience which is unusual and fairly rare I would say and that you will find another therapist very soon. I am very sorry to hear of your experience of therapeutic abandonment, considered to be one of the most egregious problems in field of psychotherapy. If you feel you have been abandoned by your therapist or are in any other way being treated unethically or unprofessionally, you can report your grievance the therapist’s licensing board. This should be fairly easy to find online be searching for “your state” and “the therapist’s specific license or title” and the word “board.” There are thousands of great therapists out there; be sure to shop around and follow the guidelines on this site and others in selecting your next counselor or therapist. I hope you will not be too discouraged by this experience which is unusual and fairly rare I would say and that you will find another therapist very soon.

]]> By: Jean Mercer http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2008/02/12/50-warning-signs-of-questionable-therapy-counseling/#comment-9729 Jean Mercer Sun, 29 Jun 2008 20:21:21 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2008/02/12/50-warning-signs-of-questionable-therapy-counseling/#comment-9729 Under HIPAA, you have a right to your treatment records, and I think it's supposed to be within 2 weeks. You might not want a referral from someone who behaves like this. Under HIPAA, you have a right to your treatment records, and I think it’s supposed to be within 2 weeks.

You might not want a referral from someone who behaves like this.

]]> By: Rhonda http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2008/02/12/50-warning-signs-of-questionable-therapy-counseling/#comment-9669 Rhonda Sat, 28 Jun 2008 22:23:33 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2008/02/12/50-warning-signs-of-questionable-therapy-counseling/#comment-9669 I was checking to see if it's right that your Therapist tell's you on the phone that she can't see you any longer it's to hard and she is not doing abuse Therapy after 7 yearsand no warning. She left me flat with no referals nothing. She told me she was going to write me a letter and send me a referal and has a gift ect...it's been 25 days and again nothing. I want my case notes from her and I have written 2 times a letter requesting them and nothing. I need some advice. Thank you I was checking to see if it’s right that your Therapist tell’s you on the phone that she can’t see you any longer it’s to hard and she is not doing abuse Therapy after 7 yearsand no warning. She left me flat with no referals nothing. She told me she was going to write me a letter and send me a referal and has a gift ect…it’s been 25 days and again nothing. I want my case notes from her and I have written 2 times a letter requesting them and nothing. I need some advice.

Thank you

]]> By: Rhonda http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2008/02/12/50-warning-signs-of-questionable-therapy-counseling/#comment-9667 Rhonda Sat, 28 Jun 2008 22:21:15 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2008/02/12/50-warning-signs-of-questionable-therapy-counseling/#comment-9667 I was checking to see if it's right that your Therapist tell's you on the phone that she can't se you any longer cause it's to hard and she is not going to do abuse Therapy after 7 years leaves you flat with no referals nada nothing. She told me she was going to write me a letter and send me a referal and has a gift ect...it's been 25 days and again nothing. I want my case notes from her and I have written 2 times a letter requesting them and nothing. I need some advice. Thank you I was checking to see if it’s right that your Therapist tell’s you on the phone that she can’t se you any longer cause it’s to hard and she is not going to do abuse Therapy after 7 years leaves you flat with no referals nada nothing. She told me she was going to write me a letter and send me a referal and has a gift ect…it’s been 25 days and again nothing. I want my case notes from her and I have written 2 times a letter requesting them and nothing. I need some advice.

Thank you

]]> By: Brenda http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2008/02/12/50-warning-signs-of-questionable-therapy-counseling/#comment-9381 Brenda Tue, 03 Jun 2008 10:23:54 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2008/02/12/50-warning-signs-of-questionable-therapy-counseling/#comment-9381 Therapist makes sweeping statements of fact using words like "Never", "Everyone", 'Always";' "You behavior would bother anyone" Therapist takes sides in couple therapy using personal point of view; "Your behavior would bother me too" Therapist makes sweeping statements of fact using words like “Never”, “Everyone”, ‘Always”;’ “You behavior would bother anyone”
Therapist takes sides in couple therapy using personal point of view; “Your behavior would bother me too”

]]> By: Ron Morgan http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2008/02/12/50-warning-signs-of-questionable-therapy-counseling/#comment-8799 Ron Morgan Mon, 05 May 2008 16:50:01 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2008/02/12/50-warning-signs-of-questionable-therapy-counseling/#comment-8799 I would be wary of a therapist who is limited to one type of theraputic approach. For example, the therapist may say, "I'm a cognitive therapist," goes to cognitive therapy conventions, is an active member of various cognitive therapy associations, etc. etc. Or Transactional Analysis, or Cognitive-Behavioral, or what have you. Not to sound condescending, but some therapists are overdependent on specific methods to compensate for their lack of skill in other methods, and end up steering the therapy to fit their method, instead of vice-versa. The really skilled, successful therapists I've seen have been eclectic, and are able to provide whatever approach or approaches are effective with their clients. So for me, if a therapist says, "I'm a whoopeekipperedherring therapist," that's a major red flag. I would be wary of a therapist who is limited to one type of theraputic approach. For example, the therapist may say, “I’m a cognitive therapist,” goes to cognitive therapy conventions, is an active member of various cognitive therapy associations, etc. etc. Or Transactional Analysis, or Cognitive-Behavioral, or what have you.

Not to sound condescending, but some therapists are overdependent on specific methods to compensate for their lack of skill in other methods, and end up steering the therapy to fit their method, instead of vice-versa.

The really skilled, successful therapists I’ve seen have been eclectic, and are able to provide whatever approach or approaches are effective with their clients. So for me, if a therapist says, “I’m a whoopeekipperedherring therapist,” that’s a major red flag.

]]> By: Garry http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2008/02/12/50-warning-signs-of-questionable-therapy-counseling/#comment-7901 Garry Tue, 22 Apr 2008 08:07:16 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2008/02/12/50-warning-signs-of-questionable-therapy-counseling/#comment-7901 If a person is from an alcoholic family and the therapist does not know addictions, I suggest they refer to a qualified clinician! That individual is an Adult Child Of Alcoholic (ACOA) and that is huge! That brings a host of other issues that must not be over looked!!!! If a person is from an alcoholic family and the therapist does not know addictions, I suggest they refer to a qualified clinician! That individual is an Adult Child Of Alcoholic (ACOA) and that is huge! That brings a host of other issues that must not be over looked!!!!

]]> By: John Petersen, PsyD http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2008/02/12/50-warning-signs-of-questionable-therapy-counseling/#comment-7871 John Petersen, PsyD Mon, 21 Apr 2008 22:39:08 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2008/02/12/50-warning-signs-of-questionable-therapy-counseling/#comment-7871 Not necessarily. Actually there is no research evidence to suggest this is important, although it is common and the norm in therapy practice. Many excellent therapists will skip this information in order to use the time to simply get started solving problems. Often problems can be solved without the history. It is important to track if therapy is helping and if the client feels understood. If either of these things is not happening by the third session, research indicates a good outcome of therapy is considerably less likely. If your friend feels it is important to tell his/her story and social history, it is worth while to speak up about that. The therapist should be able to adjust. Not necessarily. Actually there is no research evidence to suggest this is important, although it is common and the norm in therapy practice. Many excellent therapists will skip this information in order to use the time to simply get started solving problems. Often problems can be solved without the history.
It is important to track if therapy is helping and if the client feels understood. If either of these things is not happening by the third session, research indicates a good outcome of therapy is considerably less likely.
If your friend feels it is important to tell his/her story and social history, it is worth while to speak up about that. The therapist should be able to adjust.

]]> By: John Petersen, PsyD http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2008/02/12/50-warning-signs-of-questionable-therapy-counseling/#comment-7869 John Petersen, PsyD Mon, 21 Apr 2008 22:38:22 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2008/02/12/50-warning-signs-of-questionable-therapy-counseling/#comment-7869 Not necessarily. Actually there is no research evidence to suggest this is important, although it is common and the norm in therapy practice. Many excellent therapists will skip this information in order to use the time to simply get started solving problems. Often problems can be solved without the history. It is important to track if therapy is helping and if the client feels understood. If either of these things is not happening by the third session, research indicates a good outcome of therapy is considerably less likely. If your friend feels it is important to tell his/her story and social history, it is worth while to speak up about that. The therapist should be able to adjust. Not necessarily. Actually there is no research evidence to suggest this is important, although it is common and the norm in therapy practice. Many excellent therapists will skip this information in order to use the time to simply get started solving problems. Often problems can be solved without the history.
It is important to track if therapy is helping and if the client feels understood. If either of these things is not happening by the third session, research indicates a good outcome of therapy is considerably less likely.
If your friend feels it is important to tell his/her story and social history, it is worth while to speak up about that. The therapist should be able to adjust.

]]> By: Britt http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2008/02/12/50-warning-signs-of-questionable-therapy-counseling/#comment-7443 Britt Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:11:55 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2008/02/12/50-warning-signs-of-questionable-therapy-counseling/#comment-7443 Should a good therapist in the beginning stages of the therapy request a historical summary of the client in order to provide good counseling? I have a friend in counseling and the therapist did not ask for historical family information. This friend comes from alcoholic family.....Should we be concerned? Should a good therapist in the beginning stages of the therapy request a historical summary of the client in order to provide good counseling? I have a friend in counseling and the therapist did not ask for historical family information. This friend comes from alcoholic family…..Should we be concerned?

]]> By: Elaine http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2008/02/12/50-warning-signs-of-questionable-therapy-counseling/#comment-7323 Elaine Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:23:14 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2008/02/12/50-warning-signs-of-questionable-therapy-counseling/#comment-7323 A therapist who sees a remarried couple when one of the partners was in counseling with the same therapist with their former spouse. A therapist who sees a remarried couple when one of the partners was in counseling with the same therapist with their former spouse.

]]> By: Jean Mercer http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2008/02/12/50-warning-signs-of-questionable-therapy-counseling/#comment-7187 Jean Mercer Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:46:44 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2008/02/12/50-warning-signs-of-questionable-therapy-counseling/#comment-7187 I would be concerned if a therapist's degree proved to be from a non-accredited institution, or if his or her only training relevant to the problem being treated was through workshops outside of a degree program. I would also be concerned if the person presented as credentials "diplomates" or other certifications offered by self-credentialing membership associations rather than by national professional organizations, or claimed board certifications other than those managed by national professional associations. I would be concerned if a therapist’s degree proved to be from a non-accredited institution, or if his or her only training relevant to the problem being treated was through workshops outside of a degree program. I would also be concerned if the person presented as credentials “diplomates” or other certifications offered by self-credentialing membership associations rather than by national professional organizations, or claimed board certifications other than those managed by national professional associations.

]]> By: Rob http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2008/02/12/50-warning-signs-of-questionable-therapy-counseling/#comment-7041 Rob Wed, 20 Feb 2008 20:40:32 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2008/02/12/50-warning-signs-of-questionable-therapy-counseling/#comment-7041 My daughter goes to a therapist, and I am glad to see that this therapist seems to follow this list very well. She has made a huge difference in my daughter's life and I am very, very grateful for her. Some of the items on the list I actually laughed at, such as answering the phone during a session. But, I am sure that if it made the list, someone somewhere has done it. But, I'm glad I haven't had personal experience with this item-that would be very frustrating and maybe even embarrassing. My daughter goes to a therapist, and I am glad to see that this therapist seems to follow this list very well. She has made a huge difference in my daughter’s life and I am very, very grateful for her. Some of the items on the list I actually laughed at, such as answering the phone during a session. But, I am sure that if it made the list, someone somewhere has done it. But, I’m glad I haven’t had personal experience with this item-that would be very frustrating and maybe even embarrassing.

]]> By: sam http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2008/02/12/50-warning-signs-of-questionable-therapy-counseling/#comment-7039 sam Wed, 20 Feb 2008 20:39:00 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2008/02/12/50-warning-signs-of-questionable-therapy-counseling/#comment-7039 It is a great list, I agree. And, I think it is useful for both client and therapist. Sometimes as therapists we do need to be kept on our toes. I think I'll post this list in my waiting room for my clients and in my office for my own reminders. It is a great list, I agree. And, I think it is useful for both client and therapist. Sometimes as therapists we do need to be kept on our toes. I think I’ll post this list in my waiting room for my clients and in my office for my own reminders.

]]> By: Augusta http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2008/02/12/50-warning-signs-of-questionable-therapy-counseling/#comment-7037 Augusta Wed, 20 Feb 2008 20:38:05 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2008/02/12/50-warning-signs-of-questionable-therapy-counseling/#comment-7037 This is a good, comprehensive list. Thanks for taking the time to write these down! This is a good, comprehensive list. Thanks for taking the time to write these down!

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