When searching for a psychologist, you may have noticed that psychologists generally do not feature testimonials from previous clients on their websites, such as:
“I learned valuable coping strategies and now feel in control of my emotions.”
“I was cured in 10 sessions!”
“I now feel at peace following seeing John Smith psychologist”
You may want to hear other clients’ experiences of therapy when choosing a psychologist, so the lack of client testimonials may seem confusing. However, psychologists avoid posting testimonials due to several ethical, legal, and professional considerations set forth by regulatory bodies, such asThe Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Let’s explore why this is in the best interest of clients and practitioners.
1. Ethical Marketing Guidelines
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) provides strict guidelines on advertising and marketing for psychologists. These rules are designed to prevent any form of manipulation or misrepresentation. The use of testimonials, as a form of advertising, can easily slip into an unethical marketing strategy by making unsubstantiated claims about a psychologist’s qualifications or effectiveness (APA, 2017). Psychologists are expected to represent their qualifications and services in a factual, transparent, and responsible manner.
2. Confidentiality and Privacy
At the heart of psychological practice lies the principle of confidentiality. Psychologists are bound by strict ethical codes to protect their clients’ privacy (American Psychological Association [APA], 2017; AHPRA ). Sharing testimonials could inadvertently disclose private information about a client’s struggles, even if the identity is not explicitly mentioned. For example, details shared by a client in a testimonial may reveal enough information for others to deduce their identity, which could breach confidentiality.
3. Preventing Misleading Claims
Psychological treatment is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and outcomes vary greatly depending on the individual’s unique situation, needs, and goals. Testimonials could imply that therapy with a particular psychologist will always yield positive results, which is misleading (American Psychological Association, 2017). Therapy outcomes are influenced by many factors, and guaranteeing success could mislead prospective clients into expecting unrealistic results.
Furthermore, testimonials tend to represent the views of a few individuals and may not reflect the broader range of experiences that other clients may have had with the psychologist. This can give an incomplete or biased portrayal of what therapy with the psychologist is like.
4. Avoiding Exploitation
Psychotherapy can be a vulnerable process, and a strong therapeutic relationship is built on trust. Asking clients for testimonials could create a power imbalance, where clients may feel compelled to offer positive feedback even if they are not entirely comfortable doing so (APA, 2017). Clients may also worry about disappointing their therapist or feel pressured to provide a glowing review in exchange for care. By avoiding testimonials, psychologists ensure that clients’ feedback remains entirely voluntary and are not influenced by any perceived obligation or professional power dynamics.
Why It Matters
The primary goal for psychologists is to foster an environment where clients feel safe, supported, and empowered to seek the help they need without the pressure of public endorsements. By not posting testimonials, psychologists uphold their ethical obligations, protect client confidentiality, and avoid misleading potential clients.
If you’re seeking a professional and compassionate psychologist, the Centre for Clinical Psychology in Melbourne is here to help. Our team adheres to the highest ethical standards and is committed to supporting your mental health journey. To book an appointment, please call us at 03 9077 0122 or visit our online booking page at https://ccp.net.au/booking/.
References
American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. https://www.apa.org/ethics/code
Koocher, G. P., & Keith-Spiegel, P. (2016). Ethics in psychology and the mental health professions: Standards and cases (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, Psychology Board of Australia website: https://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/ (accessed 08 Jan 2025)
