I appreciate the difficulty in assessing the
competency of a therapist.
While credentials, licenses, experience and
testimonials may provide a good impression, they
do not ensure that a therapist is effective.
I do not use
testimonials for the following reasons:
-
Confidentiality is crucial for psychotherapy to
be effective. Thus, I would feel uncomfortable
asking a client to share anything which could
jeopardize this, even inadvertently.
- Testimonials
do not involve a random selection process and
may suggest an unrealistic picture of a
therapist’s abilities.
- Asking clients
to write testimonials to enhance a therapist’s
credibility could have the net effect of putting
them in an uncomfortable position. Clients
should always feel that the work is about their
interests, not the therapist’s.
The following statement appears in the Ethical
Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct
issued by the American Psychological Association
(effective date June 1, 2003):
“Psychologists do not solicit testimonials from
current therapy clients/patients or other persons
who because of their particular circumstances are
vulnerable to undue influence.”
Trust Your
Instincts
Even though psychotherapy isn’t always
comfortable, when it is working it somehow feels
right. I encourage clients to trust their
instincts whenever interviewing a therapist. In
fact, one may choose to consult with more than one
professional before making a final decision. Keep
in mind that clients can terminate therapy or get
a second opinion at any time.
I also suggest that clients actively prepare for
an initial session in a particular way (see
My
Therapeutic Approach). Mindful reflection on
issues and concerns, and time spent creating goals
and intentions allow one to share significant
information more easily. This also helps me be as
be as direct and clear about how I can be of
service.
If you have
questions or need help,
please feel free
to
contact me for a free phone consultation
Serving
Denver & Boulder, CO. Since 1990
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