Warning Signs
of a not-so-great
therapist		 wpe10.gif (37297 bytes)

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  Therapy is supposed to provide you a safe, supportive environment in which you can seek understanding and assistance in making changes in your life. If any of these occur, look for another therapist:
  1. Ask you for a date
  2. Touch any "No-touch" zones on your body
  3. Suggest any sexual activity involving them
  4. Ask to borrow money or for you to participate in any personal financial venture of theirs
  5. Participate in personal social activities with you
  6. Call your home for personal conversations unrelated to your treatment issues

However, there are some behaviors that are typical of certain styles of therapy but may seem strange to you. For example, your therapist may:

     1. Not answer you when you ask certain questions
     2. Not give you their opinion about a situation that you             describe
     3. Seem cold to you
     4. Not show their feelings in their facial expressions
     5. Not return your calls outside of sessions

If your therapist uses behaviors or approaches that don't make sense to you, ask if they could tell you more about how their style of therapy works. Look at the "trial period" ideas.

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    While therapists differ slightly based on their training and orientation, if you would answer no to any of the above questions, bring it up with the therapist. If the answer doesn't seem to fit the style of the therapy, communicate your concern and listen for the therapist's reasons for their procedures. If you are still not comfortable with an office procedure or therapy style, seek a therapist you would be more comfortable with.

All therapy sessions, your identity and anything else about you should be kept confidential by your therapist. If you run into your therapist in public, you can choose whether or not to acknowledge them. Your therapist and you should be able to maintain your privacy.  Back to top