When the Therapist Becomes the Accused

When the Work We Love Changes Us

Licensing boards serve a function: To protect consumers. Professional accountability is necessary, and legitimate complaints deserve careful review. At the same time, being the subject of a complaint can be an extremely stressful experience. Therapists may experience fear, embarrassment, anger, shame, or uncertainty about their professional future. Some become preoccupied with potential consequences, including disciplinary action, financial costs, or damage to their reputation. Others struggle with the perceived loss of control associated with an investigative process. Even if a complaint is ultimately dismissed, the impact may continue.

Not Every Complaint Establishes Wrongdoing

One of the most important distinctions in discussions about grievances is the difference between an allegation and a finding. A complaint initiates a process. It does not, by itself, establish that a therapist violated professional standards. Some complaints identify genuine ethical concerns; others arise from misunderstandings, conflicts, retaliation, or dissatisfaction with clinical decisions. Some are substantiated; others are not.

We can support professional accountability while also recognizing that clinicians deserve fairness, due process, and access to appropriate support. Unfortunately, therapists sometimes make assumptions about colleagues who have been the subject of complaints: We may distance ourselves, question their competence, or assume that an investigation means something inappropriate occurred. These reactions can further enhance professional isolation.

When Shame Becomes Part of the Experience

A licensing complaint (a grievance) may challenge a therapist’s sense of professional identity. Therapists who have spent years developing their skills and acting in accordance with their values may suddenly question everything they know about themselves. Am I a bad therapist? Will anyone trust me again? What if I lose my license? These thoughts may persist even when the available evidence does not support the worst-case scenario. The experience can also change how clinicians practice. Some become overly cautious, avoid certain clients, or engage in excessive documentation driven by fear rather than clinical need. Others consider leaving the profession entirely.

Potential Strategies If You Are Grieved/Receive a Licensing Complaint

• Get guidance. Contact your professional liability carrier and consult an attorney that specializes in mental health law and/or licensing matters. Understand deadlines, procedures, and your obligations.

• Separate allegations from identity. A complaint is not a complete description of who you are as a therapist (or a person!). If errors occurred, they can usually be addressed through accountability, consultation, and/or corrective action.

• Seek emotional support. Individual therapy, consultation, and/or trusted peer relationships may help therapists manage shame, anxiety, and isolation. Notice if reflection shifts into repetitive worst-case thinking. Support from others might help to focus on problem-solving and actionable steps, that in turn can support emotional regulation.

• Healing may involve revisiting your values, identifying areas of competence, engaging in professional development, and considering how you want to move forward.

This article concludes our seven-part series exploring Adverse Psychological Events from The Resilient Therapist by Khara Croswaite Brindle and Ashley Charbonneau.

This article is educational and does not constitute legal advice. Clinicians facing licensing complaints should seek qualified professional guidance appropriate to their jurisdiction.