Getting Started, Tips, and Updates

The best way to create your own Professional Will, as I describe in detail on the CD itself, is to create a group of colleagues who want to be on each other's Emergency Response Team the therapists you have selected to help you and your clients when you are unavailable. It is best if your group orders several CDs and agrees to meet regularly to cheer each other on in the process. (Please see Order Products page for information re group discounts.)

If you already are part of a consultation group you might want to schedule time during your meetings to work on the Will with them. Or pick colleagues to simply get started thinking about taking the first steps to form a small group. The CD has suggestions for this, but you can start now by finding a few colleagues you trust and respect and talking about doing your own Professional Wills.

For therapists who don't have a group of colleagues whose treatment values are compatible, the CD includes suggestions for how to select your Emergency Response Team (ERT). It also outlines essential qualities for selecting your Bridge Therapist, the person who will serve as the main contact person and coordinator of your Emergency Response Team when you are unavailable. For now, start thinking of colleagues you would be comfortable inviting to work with you on your Professional Will.

TIPS

This page will be updated with tips, new information and recommendations for how to keep your Professional Will current. Please check back forupdates and suggestions. If you would like to be notified of major updates, please join my mailing list.

Tip #1: Ways to notify clients that you will be unavailable temporarily:

If you are out of the office temporarily or for an uncertain amount of time change your answering machine's outgoing message to include information about who to contact in the event of an emergency or for information about your expected date of return. Until you set up your Emergency Response Team you can use the same person who covers your practice while you are on vacation.

Tip 2: Another way to notify clients that you will be unavailable temporarily:

Use your computer's "Out of office auto reply" message for emails. For example:

"Hello, I will be out of the office until  (date).  During my absence, my colleague, (name) is covering for me.  You may contact (name) at (area code and phone number).

Kind regards,
(your name)

Tip #3: Make it easier for your Emergency Response Team, ERT:

• Keep a folder in your password-protected Word documents called EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM
• In your locked file drawers, segregate your open and closed cases.  If you don't yet have client summaries, it will help if you note the date first seen and date the case was closed.
• Separate out or have a system for identifying clients who are high profile or might be known by members of your ERT so that those clients can be followed up by someone who does not have a dual relationship.

Tip #4: Keeping Your Website Up-To-Date

Many therapists have websites and blogs. Remember to write out directions for your Emergency Response Team about how to update this information. Make sure your online information includes details about who to contact while you are unavailable.

Note to Media
As mentioned earlier, this section was written for use by trained, licensed mental health providers.  The issues discussed are of a highly sensitive nature.  If you are interested in writing about this topic please feel free to contact Dr. Steiner directly. Please do not reproduce the information on this website for distribution or publication without the author's written consent.

Disclaimer
The information in this page is intended for educational purposes for licensed mental health providers.