How to Tactfully & Effectively Refer Clients to Therapy

One sure-fire way to make the suggestion easier if needed later is to provide this information to all of your clients at the beginning of your work with them as a possibility that may arise. Let all clients know during the intake process that: therapy is often used by clients involved in legal matters to manage their own stress and receive support during a difficult time; therapy can also result in them being more effectively able to collaborate with you; and that therapy can also be useful in some cases in which one wants to show the court the client is taking proactive positive steps. By giving this spiel to all clients early on you avoid sounding as though you have decided a client in particular needs help, plus it makes it easier to bring up any of these areas for assistance later if clients have already heard the information.

It can be tricky to suggest someone needs therapy because there still lingers the old-fashioned stigma against therapy being for 'crazy' people. So, an important step is to de-stigmatize the process. Talk about a psychologist you know, how helpful they have been to other clients and how they helped, rather than feeling you have to point out that there is something 'wrong' with your client. - "Dr. Feel Good has worked with a number of my clients as they transition through divorce and I've received good reports on how she has helped them feel more in control over their lives." Or, "Dr. Feel Good has been very effective in helping clients manage their anxiety and depression and thus be able to effectively follow through on my advice." Or, "Seeing Dr. Feel Good for anger management will ultimately help your case."

Normalize the situation for your client - "It would be perfectly normal if you are feeling depressed after this accident. My clients often find it helpful to talk to someone about the changes they are experiencing due to an accident."