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Writer's pictureDeric Hollings

Psychotherapeutic Limitations


 

I recall wondering why it was necessary to obey posted traffic signs when first attending driver’s training at 16-years-old. “Is it really necessary to go so slow if no one else is on the road with me?” I thought.

 

The driving instructor was one step ahead of my youthful curiosity, because driver’s training class attendees were required to watch a couple videos from the series Red Asphalt, which I found hilarious. Nevertheless, I later learned a valuable lesson about posted speed limitations.

 

Driving from high school to a fast food establishment during lunchtime, an Amarillo Police Department motorcycle cop pulled me over and issued my first traffic citation. Regardless of what I had in mind about driving, there existed limitations which I was expected to obey.

 

Reflecting upon that important lesson, I think about my role as a psychotherapist. For instance, I’m required to maintain client confidentiality. Therefore, I generally don’t share information about what clients discuss in our sessions.

 

Still, there are noted psychotherapeutic limitations when it comes to client privacy rights. As an example, if I receive a subpoena for a client’s records from a qualified judge I’m expected to comply. Importantly, I share with each client the limitations of this kind.

 

Also, when practicing Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), there are other limitations which I keep in mind. For instance, I don’t work with people who maintain intellectual and developmental disabilities (formerly “mental retardation”).

 

Although REBT techniques aren’t particularly difficult to understand, I don’t practice outside of my scope of competence. Regarding this matter, page 223 of The REBT Therapist’s Pocket Companion encourages REBT practitioners to know limits and transcend them when possible, though not at a client’s expense.

 

To provide another example, I’ve learned not to practice disputation with a client who is actively self-disturbed in a session to the point whereby the individual is incapable of thinking clearly. In such instances, I find it helpful to instead practice grounding techniques and then reengage when a client is able to do so.

 

Psychotherapeutic limitations are worth knowing and obeying, much like posted traffic signs. Fortunately, I don’t use silly videos with clients like the Red Asphalt series to which I was exposed. This is because limitations can be actively practiced without such scare tactics.

 

If you’re looking for a provider who works to help you understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—helping you to sharpen your critical thinking skills, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.

 

As a psychotherapist, I’m pleased to help people with an assortment of issues ranging from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.

 

At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply helping you to feel better, I want to help you get better!

 

 

Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW

 

References:

 

Dryden, W. and Neenan, M. (2003). The REBT Therapist’s Pocket Companion. Albert Ellis Institute. Retrieved from https://www.pdfdrive.com/the-rebt-therapists-pocket-companion-d185164652.html

Hollings, D. (2022, March 15). Disclaimer. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/disclaimer

Hollings, D. (2023, September 8). Fair use. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/fair-use

Hollings, D. (2023, October 12). Get better. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/get-better

Hollings, D. (2024, January 9). Grounding. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/grounding

Hollings, D. (n.d.). Hollings Therapy, LLC [Official website]. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/

Hollings, D. (2023, September 19). Life coaching. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/life-coaching

Hollings, D. (2024, April 22). On disputing. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/on-disputing

Hollings, D. (2023, September 3). On feelings. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/on-feelings

Hollings, D. (2024, May 5). Psychotherapist. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/psychotherapist

Hollings, D. (2022, March 24). Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT). Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-emotive-behavior-therapy-rebt

Hollings, D. (2022, November 1). Self-disturbance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/self-disturbance

Hollings, D. (2024, January 16). Understanding, belief, and practice. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/understanding-belief-and-practice

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Red Asphalt. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Asphalt

Wirestock. (n.d.). Selective shot of speed limit signage on the road near trees on a sunny day [Image]. Freepik. Retrieved from https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/selective-shot-speed-limit-signage-road-near-trees-sunny-day_8409197.htm#fromView=search&page=2&position=3&uuid=c6475346-f902-4054-b73b-db9af729de92

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