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We all know that testimonials are the gold standard for marketing. People trust and value the opinions of others, and so they will often look for endorsements or referrals when they are deciding on who to work with or which services or products to buy.
However in private practice, it is highly unethical to ask clients for testimonials. So, how can you connect with your ideal clients and market your Canadian private practice in an ethical yet effective way?
In this podcast episode, I discuss how you can go about finding ethical endorsements for your practice without crossing any boundaries with your regulator or other standards of practice. Do great work in an ethical way, and here are some tips on how to get started!
In This Episode:
- What is a testimonial?
- Ethics of testimonials in therapy
- How to get ethical endorsements
What is a testimonial?
A testimonial is a statement that has been given by a person who has used one of your products or services, and explains how wonderful it was! Although, sometimes testimonials can also be negative.
Testimonials are statements from real people that show others that the product or service they used is worthwhile and trustworthy. If they tried your services and had a good experience, they are more likely to pass on your name, making them a great marketing tool!
There is a new Jane App feature, the EMR and practice management software system that I use, that allows businesses to automatically ask clients for ratings and reviews after a session.
Ethics of testimonials in therapy
It must be stated that counsellors, mental health practitioners, social workers, and psychotherapists are not allowed to use this feature because it is highly unethical and not allowed by provincial regulators.
To read more about the CCPA code of ethics, click here.
If you go to the CCPA's "Standards of Practice" on page 7, it states:
"A6. Professionalism in Advertising:
Counsellors/therapists do not use testimonials by clients, former clients, or by relatives or friends of clients. Testimonials may be acceptable from an organization or business that receives the counsellors/therapists' services."
There is an inherent power imbalance between you and your clients. So clients could feel obligated to give a testimonial or fear the repercussions if they say no. It is not in the best interest of the client – or you are the therapist – to get testimonials.
Client testimonials are a problem in Canada, and in many other countries, where therapists might not be aware that they are not allowed and are highly unethical. So if you see fellow therapists using them, inform them about this policy.
How to get ethical endorsements
You can ask other therapists that you like, know, and trust to endorse you.
On Psychology Today, there's a new feature called "Endorsements" where you can write a statement about the therapist that you know, recommending them, and that is sent to the therapist who can choose to publish it on their Psychology Today profile or not. They will also be prompted to give you a testimonial as well!
Also, if you have been listening to the Fearless Practice Podcast, getting great information and tips, you can share the support with me too!
You can now support me in the work that I do by writing a quick review on my website if you have bought the Workbook or the Paperwork Packet. Thank you!
Connect with me:
Resources Mentioned and Useful Links:
Ep 57: Heather Peters: Accounting in Canada for Private Practice
Article: How to Set Up a Canadian Private Practice Website
Listen to my Canadian private practice journey up until now!
Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice
Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free)
Email me at info@fearlesspractice.ca for a free 6-month trial period of Psychology Today!
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