Edge of the Couch

Progress Notes: Often Stressful, Sometimes Dangerous


Listen Later

Progress notes are one of the most tiresome and stressful parts of being a therapist! While completing notes can feel like trying to catch the wind in a net, never quite being able to complete them all, a therapists’ notes (even minimal, even incomplete) hold a lot of power. What is in a note can have huge consequences for how we view the client and in the absolute worst case scenarios, notes can be held against clients in horrible ways. 

So what should a therapist write in a note? What should therapists avoid writing? When does a client get to see their progress notes? Who might read them one day? How do therapists keep the important details in without slipping into subjective writing? Alison and Jordan will share tips and tricks for how to navigate everything note-keeping.
We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at [email protected] to tell us what you think, ask a question or let us know what type of episode you'd love to hear.  You can even send us a voice note for us to play in a future episode. 

We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, use the code EDGECOUCH1MO at the time of sign-up for a 1 month grace period.

Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram

Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram

Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram

Leading Edge Seminars is bringing their sought-after EMDR training to Toronto and Halifax. This isn’t just any EMDR training—it's developed and taught by Roy Kiessling, the creator of a new streamlined version of EMDR.

Use code EDGE100 at checkout to receive $100 off. Head to LeadingEdgeSeminars.org to grab your spot today.

Toronto: August 11-15, 2025
Halifax: July 21 – 25, 2025

Join us on Patreon for bonus content at www.patreon.com/edgeofthecouch or share your thoughts and questions via DM on Instagram @edgeofthecouchpod, email at [email protected], or voice note at speakpipe.com/edgeofthecouch.

We have partnered with Janeapp, an all-in-one practice management software. You can learn more at Jane.app/mentalhealth. Or, if you are ready to get started, mention Edge of the Couch in the note during sign up.

Alison McCleary
www.alpenglowcounselling.com
@alpenglow_counselling on Instagram

Jordan Pickell
www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca
@jordanpickellcounselling on Instagram

Edge of the Couch
www.edgeofthecouch.com
@edgeofthecouchpod on Instagram

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Edge of the CouchBy Jordan Pickell and Alison McCleary

  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8

4.8

36 ratings


More shows like Edge of the Couch

View all
The Trauma Therapist by Guy Crawford Macpherson

The Trauma Therapist

534 Listeners

Therapy Chat by Laura Reagan, LCSW-C

Therapy Chat

667 Listeners

Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson by Rick Hanson, Ph.D., Forrest Hanson

Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

2,408 Listeners

Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes by Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes

Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes

603 Listeners

Therapist Uncensored Podcast by Sue Marriott LCSW, CGP & Ann Kelley PhD

Therapist Uncensored Podcast

1,366 Listeners

The Couples Therapist Couch by Shane Birkel

The Couples Therapist Couch

255 Listeners

Attachment Theory in Action by The Knowledge Center

Attachment Theory in Action

149 Listeners

The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy by Curt Widhalm, LMFT and Katie Vernoy, LMFT

The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy

242 Listeners

Other People's Problems by CBC

Other People's Problems

776 Listeners

Light Up The Couch by Clearly Clinical

Light Up The Couch

313 Listeners

Back from the Abyss: Psychiatry in Stories by Craig Heacock MD

Back from the Abyss: Psychiatry in Stories

458 Listeners

Transforming Trauma by The Complex Trauma Training Center

Transforming Trauma

129 Listeners

The Leading Edge in Emotionally Focused Therapy by theleadingedgeineft

The Leading Edge in Emotionally Focused Therapy

208 Listeners

Dear Therapists with Lori Gottlieb and Guy Winch by iHeartPodcasts

Dear Therapists with Lori Gottlieb and Guy Winch

2,336 Listeners

Trauma Rewired by Jennifer Wallace & Elisabeth Kristof

Trauma Rewired

308 Listeners