Complaining about a counsellor

[Jenny]

There are some guidelines for example on the UKCP (http://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/iqs/dbitemid.464/sfa.view/public_frequently_asked_questions.html) and BACP (http://www.bacp.co.uk/prof_conduct/making_complaint.php) websites as to how to go about lodging a complaint against a counsellor in the UK if their counsellor is registered with one of these bodies.

But i wonder how many people truly go through with this?! I mean, how easy would it be for the counsellor to blame transference for the 'misundertanding'?? Or how much genuinely, would the client be taken seriously. Sure people are going to say that clients would be taken seriously but surely it's one professional's word against a non-professional-emotionally-unstable's word!?!?!?

I know who i'd believe if it came down to it!!!!!!!

ARGH

[Katmandu40]

I think you have a fair point, but, at the same time, if there are a lot of complaints lodged against a councellor they would have to wonder!

[Cherrypie]

I cannot help but wonder Jenny if this is something maybe you are considering but are perhaps afraid that you would not be heard, understood or believed??

I appreciate I may be way off there and I hope thats ok to say...

xCherrypie

[Jenny]

:seehearspeak: maybe! Having calmed down a little (sorry) i do think that organisations who take complaints about counsellors would probably be aware of the possible problems/reluctance for clients to complain about a counsellor. I imagine they're used to these concerns and probably treat everyone with the same respect whether they're clients or counsellors, etc. But i can kinda see the reluctance that clients may face.. after all it is the clients word vs the counsellor

[mel]

I have complained about my ex counsellor. Went through the whole thing. So if you would like any advice... Im willing to share some details but of course not openly on the forum.
If you think about filing a complaint against your counsellor and need help just pm me. I will not be able to say too much but hope that what I will say can be of some help.

If you dont want to file a complaint, forget I ever wrote this post lol

[shrinknightmare]

I am thinking of putting in a complaint against a counsellor for breaching confidentiality. My daughter spoke to her when she was off duty and I am not even sure if she was a qualified social worker but possibly a social worker in training. Anyway what she said ended up in the newspaper for the whole country to read.