Do Therapists Curse in Session?

Do Therapists Curse in Session?

Curt and Katie discuss a recent citation from the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to a therapist for cursing while in session. We explore: Can therapists swear in session? Should they? Are there times when cursing is appropriate in session? Are therapists allowed to make errors without the fear of citation from their board? We explore these and more in this episode. 

In this podcast episode we talk about the ethics and responsibilities of cursing in session.

After hearing about the citation for a clinician who had cursed in session, we wanted to explore what is acceptable related to using curse words in session. We know as therapists that what we say matters, and now more than ever our choice of language matters. Who is allowed to curse in the therapy room? We tackle this question in depth:

Is swearing or cursing ever appropriate in session?

• Both Curt and Katie swear in session when appropriate
• Swearing in session can create a more authentic therapeutic rapport with some clients
• Sometimes clients will ask for permission to swear in session
• Follow the client’s lead when it comes to their language in session, including cursing
• It is mostly important to reflect the client’s language without judgement
• Clients might be looking for more humanity in their therapists
• Therapists are people; curses can slip out when therapists feel depleted and without resource
• Cursing based on your own humanity can cause therapeutic rupture and clinicians should be mindful of the therapeutic alliance and make repair attempts

What does the research show us about swearing?

• Some research suggests that cursing out loud decreases pain
• “Professional language” is often rooted in whiteness with a goal of excluding people of color
• When not accurately reflecting a client’s language, you run the risk of editing them
• Swearing speech is primarily meant to convey connotative or emotional meaning with emphasis

What do professional organizations say now about cursing in session?

• The BBS recently cited a therapist for swearing in session as unprofessional language
• Only one professional organization, The National Association of Social Workers, officially bars cursing in session – specifically derogatory language
• Swearing speech is primarily meant to convey connotative or emotional meaning with emphasis
• Therapists have a responsibility to make sure they are emotionally equipped to deal with clients

Is there an ideal language for therapists to use? … I caution against blanket rules. – Curt Widhalm

• Slurs are never acceptable to use during session, especially when there are cultural differences between client and therapist
• Considerations related to expressing your humanity, using curse words, and the clients you see
• Ethically, we have guidelines of client beneficence and avoiding maleficence, meaning don’t harm the client
• Technically cursing is allowed, but only with reason and while remembering that some folks are litigious

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