Live From APA: When Helping Hurts: The Scope Mistake Therapists Don’t See Coming | E108

Some of the most damaging experiences clients have in therapy happen with therapists who genuinely wanted to help them…. But wound up harming them. Because they didn’t know what they didn’t know.  Sit with that one for a second. I was talking with psychologist Dr. Brianna Ector at APA 2026 when she told me how often clients come to her after being traumatized by kind, well-intentioned therapists who simply weren't competent to work with the issues or populations in front of them. I stopped her. “Wait. We need to record this.” Because every therapist needs to hear what she said next. Your scope of practice doesn't announce itself with flashing red lights. And sometimes, the most ethical answer isn't simply to refer out. It's to get competent. In this episode, you'll learn: How well-meaning therapists can unintentionally harm clients How to recognize when you've reached the edge of your competence When to refer (and when to expand your skills instead) The scope-of-practice mistake therapists make when working with couples How to refer without making a client feel rejected or stigmatized Why humility and continuing education are essential to ethical practice You don't need to know everything. You do need to know when you don't know enough. If you've ever wondered, “Am I actually qualified to help this person?” — this episode is for you. Xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self