792: Red Flags Making You Rethink Your Shrink | Feedback Friday

Red Flags

Jordan Harbinger and Gabriel Mizrahi discuss the critical red flags to watch for in therapy. These include inappropriate physical contact, derogatory comments, and actions that make you feel unsafe or judged. Dr. Erin Margolis emphasizes the importance of feeling genuinely cared for and listened to by your therapist. If something feels off, it's worth reflecting on whether it's normal behavior for a therapist.

If something a therapist does or says makes you go, "Hmm, is this what therapists actually do? Is this normal?" That's worth reflecting on at a minimum.

--- Dr. Erin Margolis

Additionally, smaller signs like shady payment handling or forgetfulness can also indicate a problematic therapist 1 2.

   

Problematic Conduct

Problematic conduct in therapy can range from unethical behavior to outright harmful actions. Gabriel shares stories of therapists who have violated client confidentiality or made inappropriate diagnoses. Jordan stresses the importance of reporting such behavior to protect others from similar experiences.

The idea that there could be a therapist out there who's actually hurting people and maybe even doing it on purpose is just insane to me.

--- Jordan Harbinger

Writing reviews and reporting to ethics boards are crucial steps in holding therapists accountable 3 4.

   

Finding a Good Therapist

Finding a good therapist involves clear communication and mutual respect. Dr. Margolis advises discussing any discomfort directly with your therapist to gauge their response. A good therapist will be open to feedback and willing to address any issues.

The barometer of whether your therapist is legit is how they respond to those conversations.

--- Dr. Erin Margolis

It's also important to recognize that some warning signs can be subjective, and not every uncomfortable moment is a red flag 5 6.