New Therapy Client, or Mystery Shopper? | E46

Could your next therapy client be a mystery shopper on a secret spy mission? Yes, it’s a real thing—surprise! 🤯 When I found out someone was secretly in therapy to review my practice for an article, I didn’t know whether to laugh, cry, or check if I’d entered an episode of Black Mirror. But here’s the deal: therapy mystery shoppers are real, and it’s something every therapist needs to know about. In this podcast, I’m sharing the full story—what happened to me, why it matters to your practice, and, most importantly, how you can protect yourself and your clients. We’ll talk ethics, trust, and practical strategies so you can handle anything with professionalism and confidence. 💪 Chapters: 00:00 Hook: What if your client is secretly reviewing you? 02:55 When it happened to me: The full story 05:03 The trust shake-up: Why this feels so unsettling 06:39 Why every therapist should care (even if it hasn’t happened to you yet) 15:42 Red flags: How to spot a mystery shopper 18:47 Protect your practice: Actionable strategies 22:02 Growth mindset: Turning surprises into opportunities 24:51 Wrap-up: Keeping your practice strong and confident Weird stuff happens—trust me, I’ve faced it all. From therapy mystery shoppers to scams targeting therapists, if you want to protect your practice, I’ve got you covered. When you sign up for my 8 Scams Targeting Therapists email series, I’ll share my personal experiences with you and lay out clear, actionable steps you can implement today to keep your practice safe. You don’t have to figure this out on your own. If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button for more tips to protect, grow, and thrive in your practice. And please share this podcast with your professional community—because the best way we protect ourselves is by looking out for each other. Xoxo Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby www.growingself.com P.S. Let’s connect! Join our amazing therapist community over on LinkedIn. I’d love to hear your thoughts, stories, and questions!