Client Exclusivity

[Lavandula]

I know that in the Counselling & Psychotherapy field that Therapists demand exclusivity of their clients in that they must not see more than one therapist at the same time. This seems to appear in many of the associations code of ethics and conduct.

I was wondering as a Hypnotherapist, whether you demand exclusivity of your clients.

I recently saw a client who was also seeing a Psychotherapist. I do not demand exclusivity as I feel it is the clients choice who they go to see for help. However, I do see the potential problem this can cause especially when the two modalities clash in style. I work in a very solution focused way looking at ways forward whereas many of the Psychotherapy modalities look at the past in detail and the problems which do counteract and contradict each other.

I'd be interest to hear your views on the subject.

[jnani]

Hi Lavendula

It is best to stick with one thing for the clients own benefit. Buzzing all over the place from one modality/ therapist/healer to another. Where is peace in that? Its also hard to glean what works and what does not. Whatever form of help the client resorts to, trust and a rested heart is important for getting somewhere.

[New Age London]

Personally, I feel that the reason why a therapist demands exclusivity is not ethics but lack thereof, even if it comes from a governing body. Many people are traumatized by psychotherapy or counselling that they are made to commit to attending every week, and if the practitioner on top of that also demands exclusivity, most clients are too frightened to challenge that and stay until one day, they simply cannot take any more and leave or try an alternative anyway. I also think that some practitioners of other therapies do the same unnecessarily, out of fear that they will lose money if the client gets better quicker with a holistic approach.

Just my thoughts, based on client experience.

[4u4life]

Personally I haven't got a problem with clients seeing other therapists as long as the techniques complement each other. What one should avoid is the client who moves from therapist to therapist trying to avoid the treatment they need, by using the different approaches as an excuse to fail, some smokers I have found do this.
IMHO

[CarolineN]

Originally Posted by jnani

Hi Lavendula

It is best to stick with one thing for the clients own benefit. Buzzing all over the place from one modality/ therapist/healer to another. Where is peace in that? Its also hard to glean what works and what does not. Whatever form of help the client resorts to, trust and a rested heart is important for getting somewhere.

Hi Jnani

I actually see that nutritional therapy for example can be well balanced by something like EFT or other energy therapy that can help cope with both the physicalal and the mental/energy side - and some massage may fit in very well too. So I can't see a hard and fast rule for exclusivity.

It would be confusing though if the client was being seen by more than one therapist of the same modality.

[Sue Preston]

Hi Sarah
I think you're right to be concerned.

Sometimes it can appropriate and desirable for a client to see another therapist at the same time as undergoing a course of hypnotherapy. However, in my view, this would only be the case if I was unable to provide that area of expertise. For example, if they wanted some type of healing, such as reiki, at the same time, then I would encourage that.

Some hypnotherapists aren't qualified in nutrition, so during a weight management programme, they may advise their client to visit a nutritionist.

However, I would find it unusual to work alongside another "talking therapist" such as a counsellor or psychotherapist. We have different approaches, and I think it would make it difficult for the client as well. I'd be concerned about the client's belief and expectation about my work, as well.

Just my thoughts and experience.

Kind regards
Sue

[seatyed]

Hi
I think asking for exclusivity has some positive reasons if the modalities are similar but denying this option for the client is detrimental. It would be better to discover where the client is coming from, as this desire to see multiple therapist is probably a part of the clients 'problem' rather than the stated problem. That is they do not want change or solution but the perception that people are helping them, giving them a sense of control for example.
Cheers

[Lavandula]

Thank you for all your replies. I can definitely see it from both perspectives. The other talking therapy that my client was having was very different in approach to that of mine. I use Solution Focused Hypnotherapy getting my client to focus on ways to move forward whereby the Psychotherapist was getting her to go over the past! My client realised there was a conflict between the two and she decided to stop seeing the other therapist as she found our sessions much more beneficial. I'm glad I never demanded exclusivity but I'm also glad that my client realised the benefits of seeing just one, especially as they conflicted. Thanks again!