Therapist Red Flags Therapist talks excessively about themselves or overly discloses personal information. Therapist appears bored or distracted during sessions (e.g., checking clock too much, checking their phone). Therapist can’t or refuses to give client information about the type of therapy of modality they use. Therapist is treating the client as inferior or less than. Therapist cannot take constructive criticism or become defensive. Therapist constantly avoids talking about client’s progress in therapy or lack thereof. Therapist is judgmental or critical of the client’s choices, identity, or lifestyle. Therapist behaves unethically or violates confidentiality. Client feels judged, shamed, or emotionally unsafe. Therapist shames mental illness or undermine/invalidate your concerns. Therapist is ordering the client around. Therapist pushes client to talk about something that client doesn’t want to talk aobut or isn’t ready to talk about. Therapist is imposing their religious, spiritual, political, or social beliefs. Therapist is rushing a diagnosis or overdiagnosing. Therapist is not sensitive to your beliefs or background. Therapist does not give the client the time the client paid for (e.g., always start late, shortchange time).
