Some common complaints made against talking therapists
Working outside competencies
Allegations can arise when therapists have operated outside of
their competencies regarding assessments, report writing, or
expertise. Often these complaints can originate from fellow
therapists.
- Therapist stated in court report that in their opinion the
prisoner was not a danger to the public, which led to accusations
the therapist was working outside competencies as the comments made
were not their field of expertise.
- Therapist complained about a fellow therapist’s report on their
own client and in support of the complaint provided a copy of the
report without the client’s consent. The client subsequently
complained about breach of confidentiality and fellow therapist
made a counter-complaint.
- Therapist complained that another therapist had misrepresented
qualifications, alleging the adjectival title used was not
compliant with membership criteria of the members’
association.
- Following dismissal of the therapist, the NHS Trust complained
that the therapist had worked outside of their competencies in
recommending clients to stop taking medication, giving advice about
the effects of smoking, guidance on the use of walking sticks and
foot stools, as well as the low quality of assessment reports.
- Fellow therapist alleged assessments carried out on a parent in
a child protection case were inappropriate, and therefore produced
inaccurate results which influenced the judgement against the
parent.
Boundary Breaches
Complaints often arise from allegations of boundary breaches
which frequently involve forming personal or sexual friendships, or
that the therapist allowed the client to become dependant.
- After therapy had ended, the therapist employed the former
client, which resulted in allegations of exploitation
- The client alleged that no regard was given to the effect that
the assessment would have on the client’s health, and so failed to
meet the duty of care to client.
Impact of Assessments and Reports
Plaintiffs and defendants will allege that assessments and
expert reports are flawed, and have been detrimental to their
case.
- A client who privately commissioned an independent assessment
report was dissatisfied with its results, alleging that it
misrepresented the client’s long term ill-health which would not
support the client’s retirement application.
- A therapist who prepared a report for a parent in a child
custody dispute concluded that the child’s other parent had
sexually abused the child. However, insufficient care had been
taken regarding investigations and qualifying opinion, resulting in
a complaint.
- Two prison inmates alleged incompetent assessments which had a
detrimental effect on their parole.
Other Complaints
- Allegations of a breach of confidentiality of information which
was leaked to the press during an interview regarding a high
profile case, by disclosing assessment results.
- A parent in a child custody case alleged that a comment their
therapist make regarding her partner’s obstructive behaviour was
unprofessional and bullying towards the partner.
- Colleagues complained about bullying and harassment in the work
place after the therapist was appointed head of department.
- A trainee therapist complained of breach of contract and
misrepresentation of therapy as the therapist was providing actual
therapy rather than training therapy.