March 14, 2022

Do Therapists Curse in Session?

34 minutes

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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By Curt Widhalm, LMFT and Katie Vernoy, LMFT

4.4

235235 ratings