Recent board actions and suggestions for clinicians. Please note that the purpose of this review is to highlight opportunities to improve your practice.
This case highlights issues related to maintaining professional boundaries. The therapist transitioned the client from outpatient mental health counselor services to life coaching services from an agency to a private practice setting. The case suggests that this therapist changed roles from psychotherapist to life coach to circumvent requirements to be licensed in other states while providing psychotherapy, whereas no such requirements exist for coaching.
The lines of psychotherapy and coaching were blurred. It does not appear there was a clear separation between conducting psychotherapy versus coaching.
The case recommends that therapists ensure there is clear documentation of changing roles and justification for these actions.
In general, I recommend maintaining only one type of relationship with clients (psychotherapy) to ensure a clear, consistent role.