Psychology In Seattle Podcast Unresponsive Therapists and Harassing Clients
Feb 23, 2026
They tackle unresponsive clinicians and when follow-ups cross a line. They discuss reception staff texts that feel harassing and poor intake interactions. They explore quick labeling, countertransference showing up beyond sessions, and how to grieve a lost therapeutic relationship. They offer practical ideas for finding better matches and evaluating clinicians quickly.
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Reply Quickly To Prospective Clients
- Do respond to prospective clients promptly to avoid causing harm or leaving them feeling rejected.
- Kirk and Bob say a quick boilerplate reply takes minutes and prevents people in pain from being ghosted by therapists.
Respect Documented Communication Preferences
- Do document and honor clients' stated communication preferences, especially during intake.
- The patron in Denmark preferred email but felt violated when a therapist called suddenly about insurance and personal questions.
Ghosting By Therapists Harms The Profession
- Therapists who ignore inquiries propagate a profession-wide problem of ghosting that harms clients' chances of getting help.
- Kirk frames an unanswered listing as an open door ignored, which stops people from seeking therapy for months or years.