This episode first aired on January 31, 2024 (Episode 3). We’re revisiting it because deciding when to let a client go is one of the most nuanced — and often unspoken — challenges therapists face. The reflections in this conversation are just as relevant today as they were when it was first released, offering guidance, perspective, and a reminder that you’re not navigating these decisions alone.

How do you know when to let therapy clients go? This can be a tough call to make! But to practice ethically, we all need to know when to make it. Our mission is to help people grow, heal, and create positive change in their lives. When we can’t fulfill that mission, for whatever reason, it’s important that we acknowledge that, with compassion and courage.

But sometimes it’s not so straightforward. How do you know if your client is making progress? How do you know when you’re the right person to help them, and when you’re not? That’s what we’re talking about on this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 The Challenge of Letting Clients Go

03:05 Ethical Considerations in Therapy

05:05 Recognizing Client Progress and Stagnation

11:05 Making Thoughtful Referrals With Compassion

12:12 Empathy and Unconditional Positive Regard

15:13 Counter-Transference and Therapist Growth

17:17 Therapist Safety and Boundary Violations

20:24 Navigating Toxic Work Environments

24:00 When Therapy Turns Into Casual Conversation

27:05 Coaching vs. Therapy: Key Differences

31:01 Compassion, Responsibility, and Letting Go

33:09 Resources and Support for Therapists

If this conversation resonates, I’d love for you to explore my Free CEU Training Library for Therapists. It’s filled with on-demand trainings to support your growth as both a clinician and a person. You’re also welcome to connect with me on LinkedIn so we can continue exchanging ideas and resources in real time.

If you’d like ongoing support and inspiration, you can also join my newsletter created especially for therapists. It’s a space where I share weekly podcast updates, practical tools for your work, free resources, and encouragement for you in this meaningful — and often demanding — career.

And I’d love to keep this dialogue going with you. What questions are on your mind after listening? What situations have challenged you in deciding whether to continue or refer a client? Share your reflections with me. Let’s talk! And if you know another therapist who might find this episode meaningful, consider passing it along. That’s how we build a stronger, more supportive professional community together!

xoxo,

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

Growing Self