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_Sky said:
(((Okie))) first of all, there is no such thing as "dumping" a patient, not among real therapists. We refer them, or terminate therapy. Not that that sounds any better.)

Even if it becomes all about the therapist (as in they are triggered, afraid of, have medical issues or for any reason are unable to professionally treat the disorder, etc) they make sure it doesn't inflict damage upon the patient. Changing doctors can be tough, sure, but there are professional, ethical ways to do it.

From the APA guidelines:

10.10 Terminating Therapy
(a) Psychologists terminate therapy when it becomes reasonably clear that the client/patient no longer needs the service, is not likely to benefit, or is being harmed by continued service.

(b) Psychologists may terminate therapy when threatened or otherwise endangered by the client/patient or another person with whom the client/patient has a relationship.

[b](c) Except where precluded by the actions of clients/patients or third-party payors, prior to termination psychologists provide pretermination counseling and suggest alternative service providers as appropriate.



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It's not as if everyone is ethical, in other words. We all know that. But I would hesitate to tell her that she wasn't "dumped" in the manner that she said she was. It is not a reflection of the state of the profession of clinical psychology just because a few bad eggs get through.

I personally know someone who was abandoned by his therapist. He went to his appointment one day and she wasn't there. This was one the days in the therapists second office (she divided her time between two offices). The receptionist staff and therapist never explained, even after multiple attempts he made to get another appointment. Unfortunately for him, it soured him on all therapists. He has PTSD, so trust is very difficult, and after four years with her, he never saw this coming. She never returned phone calls or emails, and neither did the office staff.

It happens. And when it does... it should be reported as a deterrent.