"CLIENT/PATIENT GUIDELINES FOR EVALUATING THERAPY/COUNSELING EXPERIENCE"

	OK: Attitudes & Behaviors	OH-OH: Take Another Look	NOT OK: Attitudes& Behaviors
PROFESSIONALISM (Therapist's Credentials & Office Practice)	Office practices regarding fee and appointments are clear & professional Training & Experience are readily available Therapist skill is devoted to your concerns Therapist maintains confidentiality	If therapist's behavior seems not professional (being friendly is OK, becoming your friend is not) If too much attention is on therapist's feelings or problems DON'T SUSPEND YOUR JUDGMENT CLARIFY WITH THERAPIST & SOMEONE ELSE	Avoiding or refusing information about credentials/ licensing Using alcohol or illegal drugs during sessions Indulging in an erotic relationship with you during therapy DISCONTINUE THE RELATIONSHIP CONSIDER A NEW THERAPIST
POWER (Use of Therapist's Authority & Knowledge)	Lets you learn how to deal with your life your way Promotes any & all sources of positive change Supports & encourages your self-confidence & ability to choose your own life path	If you're uneasy with insistence on drugs as the only treatment possibility If you can't tell whether you are: 1. Giving in to the therapy process (OK) or 2. Giving in personally to the therapist (NOT OK) CLARIFY WITH THERAPIST GET SECOND OPINION *RESPECT YOUR JUDGMENT	Degrading, humiliating, intimidating, shaming, or pressuring you personally/emotionally or socially AND physically/sexually for the purpose of sexual exploitation DISCONTINUE THE RELATIONSHIP CONSIDER ANOTHER THERAPIST
RELATIONSHIP (Quality & Use of Therapist's & Client's Feelings)	Treats you with respect, care, & dignity Willingly, professionally discusses your feelings for each other Demonstrates how feelings can be safely discussed and understood rather than acted upon REPRINTED COURTESY OF BASTA ^{Boston Association to Stop Treatment Abuse}	If therapist suggests any mutual activity which makes you uncomfortable If you enjoy the therapist's attention, but feel it's not right somehow TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS CHECK IT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE *SUSPEND THERAPY	Using inappropriate erotic comments Touching you sexually Having ANY sexual contact with you, in or out of the office, WITH or WITHOUT your consent END THE RELATIONSHIP SEE ANOTHER THERAPIST *CONSIDER REPORTING THIS ACTION