Professional Will for Therapists: An Ethical Responsibility You Can’t Ignore | E77

What would happen to your clients if you died tomorrow? The New York Times recently highlighted just how devastating it can be when a therapist falls ill or dies without a plan in place. Clients are left confused, abandoned, and without the closure they deserve. It’s a hard question, but one every therapist has an ethical obligation to face. Psychologist Dr. Robyn Miller—Founder of TheraClosure, the first psychotherapist professional executor service—knows this firsthand. When her closest colleague became terminally ill, she stepped in as practice executor—supporting clients, managing records, and grieving her best friend all at once. That experience inspired her to help others create a professional will for therapists that protects clients, families, and the legacy of their work. In this episode, we explore why having a professional will isn’t optional—it’s part of our ethical duty as clinicians. We’ll talk about the logistics of professional wills, the emotional burden of asking loved ones to step in, and why a real plan is more than just a name on a form. So let me ask you: Do you have an ethical plan in place if you were suddenly unable to practice? Have you ever asked someone to be your backup—without realizing what you were really asking of them? What would it feel like to know your clients, your records, and your legacy are truly protected? We’re therapists. We know how to sit with hard things. Let’s not leave this one in the shadows. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Ethical Guidelines & Continuity of Care 05:03 When a Therapist Dies: A Colleague’s Story 08:49 Breaking the News to Patients 15:05 Patient Reactions & Clinical Risk 18:18 Business Logistics & Record Retention 23:06 Why Friends and Family Shouldn’t Be Executors 30:29 Costs & Contracting a Professional Executor 40:10 Continuity of Care Plan Options 44:46 TheraClosure: Professional Will for Therapists If this conversation stayed with you, I’d love for you to check out my Free CEU Trainings For Licensed Therapists. These resources are here to support you—not just in your clinical work, but as a whole person navigating a complicated profession. And if we’re not connected yet, please come find me on LinkedIn. It’s my favorite place to continue these kinds of conversations with thoughtful therapists like you. I also want to spotlight the incredible work of my guest, Dr. Robyn Miller. She’s the founder of TheraClosure, the first psychotherapist professional executor service, where she helps therapists create ethical plans for continuity of care. You can connect with Dr. Robyn on LinkedIn and follow her on Instagram. Lastly, I’d also love to hear what’s working for you, what could be better, and what’s on your wishlist for future episodes. Share your thoughts—let’s talk! xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self