Therapy Watch: Conflicting Counsel

What do therapists do when a client comes in with conflicting advice from another source? We asked members of PT's Therapy Directory.

Advisory Warning

"Most therapists don't consider themselves in the 'advice-giving business.' This (mis)perception is kind of a 'dumbing-down' of the profession." —Brian Gersho (San Ramon, Calif.)

Sounding Board

"When a client repeats what someone else told them, I know part of my client agrees with what they heard. It's my job to help them sort through their conflicting feelings, thoughts, and wishes—conscious and unconscious—without giving my own opinion."—Denise Lanes (New York, N.Y.)

Self-Control

"I would first congratulate the client. They are starting to see that there is more than one way to respond to their issues. Then we might explore their desire to seek advice. Why do they seem to have people in their life telling them what they need to do? Are they creating this dynamic or are they surrounded by others who seek control?"—Heather Browne (Garden Grove, Calif.)

Balancing Act

"I have suggested that clients create a decisional balance sheet with a column for pros and a column for cons. This helps them carefully weigh each option." —Denise Pollack (Easton, Pa.)

The Whole Story

"I would only make a strong suggestion to a patient if it were a matter of physical health or safety. The only time I have given a patient bad advice is when she/he left out important information regarding the issue. I then confront the patient on the fact that they were not completely honest with me."—Anonymous (New York, N.Y.)

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