If Something Feels Wrong in Therapy: How to Raise Concerns Safely

Therapy, be it group or individual, is meant to feel safe, respectful, and supportive. Almost all people have positive experiences, but once in a while, something may not sit right: a misunderstanding, a comment that felt off, a boundary that didn’t feel clear, or simply a feeling that the space isn’t working for you.

Knowing how to raise a concern is an important part of protecting your mental wellbeing. You don’t need to be “certain that something is wrong” to speak up. Your comfort is important, and it’s always okay to ask questions or voice concerns.

This article will walk you through what your options are if you have a concern in any therapeutic environment, how complaints are typically handled in the UK, and what your rights are as a client.

1. Start With a Conversation (If You Feel Able To)

In almost all instances, concerns can be resolved with a simple, honest conversation.

You can speak to the therapist:

• during a session

• at the end of a session

• or via email or phone if you prefer privacy

Therapists are trained to handle feedback in a constructive manner and should allow for space to explore what happened and how to move forward. Raising something early can prevent tension from building and helps you stay engaged in the therapeutic process.

But if it doesn’t feel safe or if the issue isn’t resolved, you have other options.

2. When to Consider a Formal Complaint

If a concern involves:

• a repeated behaviour

• a boundary issue

• ethical concerns

• something that wasn’t resolved after speaking about it

• or anything that makes you feel unsafe

…you may choose to make a formal complaint.

A complaint simply means:

“I need this to be looked at more carefully.”

Most services, clinics, and private practices will ask for complaints to be submitted in writing so that they can be looked into and investigated properly. A typical complaint includes:

• what happened

• when it happened

• how it affected you

This gives the therapy service a clear starting point for review.

3. What Happens After You Submit a Complaint

While processes vary, most reputable organisations follow a similar pattern:

• You’ll receive an acknowledgement Usually within 5–10 working days so you know it’s been received.

• A senior person reviews the complaint If possible, this will be someone who is not directly involved, to keep the process fair.

• You may be asked for more details This helps make sure that the response is accurate and thorough.

• You’ll receive a written outcome This usually includes findings and any steps the service may take moving forward.

Good services handle concerns with transparency, respect, and genuine care for your wellbeing.

4. If You’re Still Not Satisfied: Your Right to Appeal

If the resolution doesn’t feel right, you can ask for a second review.

Where possible, services have at least one additional stage of review carried out by someone who is more senior or external to the original complaint.

You are never expected to simply “accept” a response that doesn’t fully address the issue.

5. You Can Also Contact an External Professional Body

In the UK, accredited therapists will usually be registered with a regulatory or professional body. You are within your rights to raise concerns directly with these organisations if you prefer an external route.

Depending on your therapist’s registration, you may contact:

• HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council)

• BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy)

• UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy)

• BABCP (British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies)

These bodies can review issues such as professionalism, ethics, competence, or misconduct.

6. Your Rights As a Client

Regardless of where you receive therapy, you have the right to:

• feel safe and respected

• receive clear information about boundaries and expectations

• raise concerns without the fear of being judged

• have your wellbeing put first or prioritised

• access external routes of support

Therapy should never make you feel as though you are powerless. Speaking up is valid, appropriate, and often times, essential.

A Final Note

If you’re considering group therapy or are trying to understand what a safe, well-run therapeutic space should look like, it is strongly worth choosing services that are transparent about risk, boundaries, and complaints procedures.

It is a sign of professionalism and of care.

Circe’s own approach to women’s group therapy is built around clinical safety, evidence-based practice, and honest communication. We make it easy for you to reach out to us via your preferred means of communication.

• Contact Form: https://www.hello-circe.com/contact-us

• Email: team@hello-circe.com

• Schedule a Call: Calendly

Alternatively, if you’d like to read more about how our groups work or join a future cohort, you can explore more here.