Danger! Psychotherapists at work

The rapid growth of psychotherapeutic movements in recent years has led to a free market. Vast numbers of psychotherapists of different theoretical persuasions are now on offer. While such a choice has its obvious advantages, it creates bewildering confusions in the minds of potential clients. How can the clients tell which psychotherapist or psychotherapeutic entepise to opt for? How can they know whether they have made an appropriate choice? How do they know which therapy works best under which conditions? Are there a set of criteria laid down which might guide the client in making a judicious choice? Can they be assured that after a senes of agreed sessions, they will get better? These are extremely serious issues. The paper discusses the practical and ethical implications underlying these issues and offers specific suggestions and guidelines as to how the clients might safeguard their own interests when it comes to choosing an appropriate psychotherapist.