Hypnotherapy and Referrals and Reviews
I have spent the weekend speaking to a National College of Hypnosis and Psychotherapy Stage Two group about ethical practice. I have always said that ethics leads to a successful practice. Now, there are those who would say that ethics are not an absolute and that there are shades of grey when it comes to interpretation.
Yes, there are some elements of ethical practice which is open to practitioner interpretation. However, there are things which are not. I have always been an advocate against testimonials. I admit that in certain quarters of the profession this has made me few friends. However, I stand by the fact that a testimonial equates to an additional payment for therapeutic services. This is not what we do, we get paid for our service not tipped with a testimonial like a waiter.
The exception has been regarding reviews, as the practitioner has no control over the positive or negative tone of the client feedback. It was only a matter of time before someone would abuse this as well. I have come across a website where the practitioner is offering inducements for both referrals as well as reviews. This is bad practice plain and simple. Please if your potential therapist attempts to gain your favour by offering inducements for the use of your good name, please reconsider that therapist. Your mind and name is too important to be hawked to all comers.
