5 Common Therapist Mistakes That Could Derail Your Practice
Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby is a licensed psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, board-certified coach, AAMFT clinical supervisor, host of the Love, Happiness, and Success Podcast and founder of Growing Self.
You know that moment when you’re sitting across from a client, nodding empathetically, and deep down, you’re wondering: Am I doing this right? We’ve all been there. It’s part of the job to wrestle with uncertainty, but let me tell you—there are common therapists mistakes you definitely want to avoid. These aren’t the big, obvious ones like dating your clients (please don’t!) or forgetting to report serious issues. No, I’m talking about those sneaky little habits that can quietly sabotage your practice, your clients, and, frankly, your mental health.
As a therapist, clinical supervisor, and the owner of a big group practice, I’ve seen it all—made some of these mistakes myself, too. So today, I’m sharing what I’ve learned the hard way about navigating these pitfalls, and how to sidestep them with grace.
Grab your favorite mug of coffee or tea, and let’s dive into the five subtle yet critical mistakes therapists often make—plus, what you can do to avoid them.
1. Neglecting the Therapeutic Alliance
We all know the therapeutic relationship is the foundation of effective therapy. But even seasoned therapists can overlook the small signs that a rupture might be brewing.
Ever notice a client suddenly rescheduling more often, growing distant, or looking less engaged? These can be signs that something is off. The best antidote? Make feedback a regular part of your sessions. I always ask clients:
– “What stood out to you today?”
– “How are things feeling between us?”
– “Is there anything I could do differently to make this process more helpful for you?”
This open-door policy for feedback builds trust, gives you invaluable insights, and allows you to address issues before they become deal-breakers.
I’ve covered this in depth in my podcast episode, Why Therapy Clients Ghost—check it out for more tips on maintaining strong connections with clients.
2. Setting Boundaries That Are Too Loose—or Too Rigid
Ah, boundaries. Too loose, and you’re answering client emails at 11 p.m., running sessions 20 minutes over, or treating clients like your BFFs. Too rigid, and you’re alienating clients with inflexible scheduling policies or curt communication.
The sweet spot? Boundaries that prioritize both your needs and your clients’. For example:
– Stick to session times—but communicate this in a compassionate way.
– Avoid self-disclosure unless it’s truly therapeutic.
– Maintain clear but kind policies about cancellations and rescheduling.
Loose boundaries lead to burnout and resentment, while rigid ones can create unhappy clients. Check out my article on Setting Boundaries As a Therapist for an in depth look at healthy boundary setting with clients.
3. Skipping Self-Care
Let’s get real: if you’re not practicing what you preach, it’s time for a change. Therapists are natural givers, but giving without refilling your own cup is a recipe for disaster.
Here’s the deal:
– Physical self-care: Sleep, exercise, and hydration aren’t optional.
– Emotional self-care: Set aside time for therapy or supervision to process your own feelings.
– Relational self-care: Spend time with people who uplift you (and not just clients).
I’ve learned this the hard way—neglecting self-care doesn’t just hurt you; it compromises your ability to show up fully for your clients. For a deeper dive, check out my podcast episode, Therapy for Therapists: Preventing Burnout Through Personal Growth and Self-Care.
4. Practicing Outside Your Scope of Competence
We’ve all been tempted: a client presents an issue that’s outside your expertise, and you think, I’ll figure it out. But here’s the truth—taking on cases that are firmly in your “red zone” (topics you’re not trained to handle) is risky for you and your clients.
Instead, focus on your “green zone” (areas of expertise) and stay open to supervision and continuing education for your “yellow zone” (areas you’re developing).
5. Ignoring the Business Side of Private Practice
Running a private practice isn’t just about helping clients—it’s about running a business. If you’re not tracking your finances, marketing your services, or keeping your legal ducks in a row, you’re setting yourself up for unnecessary stress.
Some quick tips:
– Set aside time weekly to handle admin tasks.
– Regularly review your policies, forms, and fee structures.
– Invest in marketing strategies like finding your niche as a therapist.
Let’s Thrive Together
If any of these mistakes hit home, know this: you’re not alone, and you’re not doomed! Awareness is the first step to change. If you’d like to know where you stand in your practice, take my Banishing Burnout Assessment to discover whether you’re on a path to professional success and satisfaction or heading toward burnout. You’ll uncover your strengths, identify growth opportunities, and spot career-derailing warning signs—before they take a toll. Let’s ensure you’re flourishing, not just surviving.
Also, let’s connect on LinkedIn—I’d love to hear about your journey. You can find me at Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby on LinkedIn.
Xoxo,
Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
P.S. If you found this helpful, share it with a fellow therapist or your professional community. We’re all in this together—and a little shared wisdom goes a long way!
Resources:
Altshuler, K. Z. (1989). Common mistakes made by beginning psychotherapists. Academic Psychiatry, 13(2), 73-80.
Levenson, E. A. (1992). Mistakes, errors, and oversights. Contemporary Psychoanalysis, 28(4), 555-571.
Schwartz, H. (1976). On recognizing mistakes: A case of practical reasoning in psychotherapy. Philosophy of the social sciences, 6(1), 55-73.
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