Have you ever gotten that really sweet message from a client saying, “Hey, I told my friend about you—they’re reaching out!” and felt… conflicted? On the one hand, it’s a huge compliment. On the other? It throws you right into the middle of an ethical tightrope walk. When therapy clients refer their friends, it can feel like walking a fine line between appreciation and professional chaos.

In this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, I’ll share a behind-the-scenes story from my own practice where a client referred a friend—who happened to be their business partner—and how things unraveled when their relationship did. 

I’ll also unpack the professional risks, the emotional tug-of-war, and the subtle ethical conflicts that can arise when our good intentions collide with real-world complexity. Plus, how to set therapeutic boundaries and redirect referrals.

Timestamps: 00:00 - The Ethical Grey Area of Friend Referrals 03:49 - Handling Referrals from Clients 07:29 - Redirecting Personal Referrals 15:15 - Handling Unexpected Client Connections 19:00 - Practicing Ethical Boundaries 20:41 - Gray Areas and Subtle Ethical Dilemmas

If navigating tricky situations like when therapy clients refer their friends makes you crave more thoughtful guidance, you’re not alone—and I’ve got you. Every week in my Newsletter For Therapists, I share real-world insights, practical strategies, and honest reflections just like this one to help you grow into the most grounded, ethical, and empowered version of your therapist self. It’s a space for support, connection, and learning—because you deserve to feel confident in your clinical decisions. 👉 Sign up for the newsletter here and let’s keep growing together.

And hey, if this topic hit home for you, come connect with me on LinkedIn! Let’s keep the conversation going and build a professional community where we can show up, support each other, and thrive. 

Xoxo Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby www.growingself.com

P.S. — If you know a friend or colleague who'd benefit from this chat, send it over to them. It could be exactly what they need to hear to get out of a sticky situation.