When Therapists Fall Short: The Impact of Misrepresenting Skills and Unprofessional Practices
Seeking therapy can be a brave and vulnerable step. It’s a decision to invest in your mental health, open up about your struggles, and trust someone to guide you toward growth. But what happens when that trust is met with disengagement or unprofessional behavior? Unfortunately, many people, including those close to me, have experienced the disappointment of therapists who fall short of their ethical and professional responsibilities.
A Personal Reflection
My husband has had his share of frustrating therapy experiences. From therapists eating during sessions and scrolling through Google instead of engaging, to professionals unwilling to help him set a consistent schedule, his journey has been a stark reminder of how critical professionalism is in therapy.
These experiences have left him feeling unsupported and confused about what he needs in therapy. Rather than collaborating to identify goals or exploring meaningful ways to move forward, he’s often felt like a passive participant in his own mental health journey.
And that’s the problem. Therapy should be a space where clients feel valued, heard, and empowered—not a place where they’re left to wonder whether their therapist is truly invested in their well-being.
The Cost of Unprofessional Behavior
Unprofessional practices, like multitasking during sessions or failing to provide structure, undermine the core purpose of therapy. Here’s how they can affect clients:
Eroding Trust: A client who doesn’t feel respected or prioritized may lose trust in the process—and in future therapists.
Undermining Progress: Without a structured and engaged approach, clients may struggle to identify their goals or make meaningful progress.
Reinforcing Negative Beliefs: Feeling dismissed can deepen existing feelings of unworthiness or skepticism about the value of therapy.
What Clients Deserve from Therapy
A therapist’s primary role is to create a safe, structured, and collaborative environment that supports growth and healing. This includes:
Active Presence: Therapists must be fully present during sessions, demonstrating attentiveness and genuine engagement.
Goal-Oriented Collaboration: Helping clients clarify their needs and establish goals is fundamental to effective therapy.
Consistency and Reliability: Providing a regular schedule and honoring commitments fosters a sense of stability and trust.
Professional Boundaries: Basic professionalism—like refraining from eating or multitasking—shows respect for the client and the therapeutic relationship.
For Therapists: A Call to Reflection
Therapists, it’s essential to remember that every session holds the potential to be life-changing for your client. Even small lapses in professionalism can have a significant impact. Here are a few ways to ensure you’re meeting your clients’ needs:
Check Your Engagement: Are you fully present and focused during sessions? If not, consider what’s getting in the way and address it.
Communicate Clearly: Make scheduling and goal-setting a collaborative effort to create a consistent and supportive framework for therapy.
Maintain Boundaries: Treat each session as sacred space—free from distractions, interruptions, or casual behavior.
Empowering Clients to Advocate for Themselves
If you’ve had similar experiences to my husband’s, it’s important to know that you have a voice in the therapy room. Here are a few steps you can take:
Express Your Needs: Let your therapist know what’s not working. A good therapist will welcome feedback and adjust their approach.
Set Boundaries: If a therapist’s behavior feels unprofessional, speak up. For example, it’s okay to say, “I’d prefer we focus solely on the session without distractions.”
Find the Right Fit: If your therapist isn’t meeting your needs and isn’t willing to improve, it’s okay to seek a different provider.
Closing Thoughts
Therapy is a partnership that thrives on trust, professionalism, and mutual respect. While no therapist is perfect, clients deserve a practitioner who is committed, engaged, and genuinely invested in their growth.
For those who have experienced disappointment in therapy, know that not all therapists are the same. The right therapist can make all the difference, offering a safe and empowering space to heal and grow.
If you’re navigating your own challenges with therapy or wondering how to advocate for yourself, I’m here to help. Let’s continue the conversation about what truly makes therapy transformative.