Reprinted by kind permission of the authors from The Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapist, Volume (2) 1, 1994, pages 25-27. Enquiries may be addressed to the authors at the Centre for Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy, 156, Westcombe Hill, London, SE3 7DH. Copies may be made for client use as long as the source is referenced.

In the past decade counselling and psychotherapy have received negative publicity on television, radio and in the press. There has also been some adverse publicity in the field of coaching. The potential exploitation of clients by counsellors, psychotherapists and hypnotherapists has been widely reported. In the past 25 years this exploitation has been well documented and is not just media hype (e.g. Gabbard, 1989; Pope, 1990; Russell, 1990; Szymanska &: Palmer, 1993; Taylor & Wagner, 1976).

Most information that clients can obtain on finding a suitable coach or counsellor concentrates on the different approaches, what they entail, the cost, choosing the right practitioner, and confidentiality. The issue of the possible problems that can occur in caching, counselling and psychotherapy are seldom explicitly stated in the information sheets or booklets especially in Britain (e.g. BAC 1992, 1994). However, a slightly more enlightened approach is taken in North America.

To aid potential clients in asking their practitioner the right questions and to avoid any pitfalls, the authors have developed a brief checklist (see below). This can be given to the client by the coach, counsellor, coaching organisation, health centre, or medical practitioner before the first session. Due to its brevity, the checklist is easy and cheap to photocopy. Since its first publication (Palmer & Szymanska, 1994a) it is now being used in centres around the Uk (Palmer & Szymanska, 1994b). It has been revised and adapted to include the field of coaching. Although it can not stop exploitation from occurring it may alert clients to the more usual warning signs.


References:
BAC, (1992). Information sheet 5. Rugby: British Association for Counselling.

BAC, (1994). Counselling and You. Rugby: British Association for Counselling.

Gabbard, G. O. (Ed), (1989). Sexual exploitation in professional relationships. Washington D.C.: American Psychiatric Press.

Palmer, S. and Szymanska, K. (1994a). How to avoid being exploited in counselling and psychotherapy. Counselling, Journal of the British Association for Counselling, 5, 1, 24.

Palmer, S. and Szymanska, K. (1994b). Referral guidance for participants attending stress management training courses. Stress News, Journal of the International Stress Management Association, 5, 4, 10- 11.

Pope, K.S. (1990). Therapist -Patient Sexual Involvement: A Review of the Research. Clinical Psychology Review, 10, 477-490.

Russell, J. (1990). Breaking Boundaries: A research note. Counselling, Journal of the British Association for Counselling, 1, 2.

Szymanska, K. and Palmer, S. (1993). Therapist-client sexual contact. Counselling Psychology Review, 8, 4, 22-33.

Taylor, J. and Wagner, N. N. (1976). Sex between therapists and Clients: A review and Analysis. Professional Psychology, 7, 593-601.

Correspondence: To either author at Centre for Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy, 156, Westcombe Hill, London, SE3 7DH

Issues For the Client To Consider In Coaching, Counselling or Psychotherapy

Here is a list of topics or questions you may wish to raise when attending your first (assessment) session:

• Check that your coach or counsellor has relevant qualifications and experience in the field of counselling/psychotherapy.
• Ask about the type of approach the practitioner uses, and how it relates to your problem or issues.
• Ask if the practitioner is in supervision (most professional bodies consider supervision to be mandatory; see footnote).
• Ask whether the practitioner or the agency is a member of a professional body and abides by a code of ethics. If possible obtain a copy of the code.
• Discuss your goals/expectations of coaching or counselling.
• Ask about the fees if any (if your income is low, check if the practitioner operates on a sliding scale) and discuss the frequency and estimated duration of coaching or counselling.
• Arrange regular review sessions with your practitioner to evaluate your progress.
• Do not enter into a long term contract unless you are satisfied that this is necessary and beneficial to you.
• If you do not have a chance to discuss the above points during your first session discuss them at the next possible opportunity.

General Issues
Coach or counsellor self-disclosure can sometimes be useful. However, if the sessions are dominated by the practitioner discussing his/her own problems at length, raise this issue during the session.

If at any time you feel discounted, undermined or manipulated within the session, discuss this with the practitioner. It is easier to resolve issues as and when they arise.
Do not accept significant gifts from your practitioner. However, this does not apply to relevant coaching or therapeutic material.

Do not accept social invitations from your practitioner. For example dining in a restaurant or going for a drink. However, this does not apply to relevant coaching or therapeutic assignments such as being accompanied by your practitioner into a situation to help you deal with it or overcome a phobia.

If your practitioner proposes a change in venue for the sessions without good reason do not agree. For example, from a centre to the practitioner's own home.
Research has shown that it is not beneficial for clients to have sexual contact with their practitioner. Professional bodies in the field of coaching, counselling and psychotherapy consider that it is unethical for counsellors or therapists to engage in sexual activity with current clients.

If you have any doubts about the coaching or counselling you are receiving then discuss them with your practitioner. If you are still uncertain, seek advice, perhaps from a friend, your doctor, your local Citizens Advice Bureau, the professional body your practitioner belongs to or the agency that may employ your coach or counsellor.

Footnote: Coaching or counselling supervision is a formal arrangement where practitioners discuss their coaching or counselling in a confidential setting on a regular basis with one or more professional practitioners.