I recently experienced having to signpost a client which inspired me to write this article. While I know it was the right thing both ethically and for the client, each time, i am initally left wondering if I could have possibly done more. Indeed, it originates from the 'fixer' aspect of my personality, and I am consciously aware of it, taking active steps to manage it for the benefit of my clients.
As therapists, our primary aim is to support, guide, and empower our clients in overcoming the challenges they face. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that there will be times when a client’s needs extend beyond our expertise. At these moments, we must practise a skill as valuable as any therapeutic technique: knowing when to signpost.
Signposting—referring a client to another resource or professional—can be a challenging decision, especially for new therapists. There’s a common fear that referring a client elsewhere equates to personal failure. Many therapists, particularly those just beginning their careers, feel an instinctive desire to be the one to help, making the handover to another professional feel counterintuitive. Yet, reframing this process as an essential aspect of client care can be empowering for both therapist and client alike.
Signposting is a valuable component of therapy that prioritises the client’s well-being by connecting them with resources or professionals who can address specific needs more effectively. No therapist, regardless of experience, is equipped to handle every issue alone. Recognising when a client may benefit from a different intervention or specialised expertise is a hallmark of professionalism and self-awareness.
For instance, a client with complex trauma symptoms might benefit greatly from specialised trauma-informed therapy. Similarly, clients struggling with severe substance dependence might find the most effective support in programmes specifically tailored to addiction. Knowing when to signpost is about giving the client the best tools available and respecting the boundaries of your training and capabilities.
Managing Feelings of Failure: It’s natural to feel a sense of personal defeat the first time you decide to refer a client to someone else. For new therapists, the urge to “fix” the client can be strong, and handing over this responsibility may feel as though you haven’t succeeded. However, reframing this decision as a step towards holistic support, rather than failure, can be transformative. Remember, signposting is not an end but an extension of the care you provide.
Maintaining Confidence: The confidence of a new therapist can waver when faced with a situation beyond their scope. It’s easy to believe that further training might make the difference, or that another professional may have handled the issue better. In reality, every therapist, regardless of experience, will encounter situations where another professional’s expertise is the best course of action. Confidence as a therapist grows not by being the solution to every problem, but by recognising client needs and knowing when to take supportive action—whether directly or indirectly.
Building a Network of Resources: Proactively building a network of contacts, such as specialists, community resources, and support groups, can help reduce the anxiety associated with signposting. Knowing you have reliable resources to connect clients with can ease the transition for both you and your client. This network reflects your commitment to comprehensive care and is an invaluable asset to your therapeutic practice.
Ultimately, the goal of therapy is not to be everything to everyone; it’s to foster healing, growth, and resilience in clients. Recognising when to refer is a powerful demonstration of your commitment to this goal. It reflects an awareness of your professional boundaries and a desire to connect clients with the best resources available.
For new therapists, the first experience of signposting can be daunting, but it is a significant milestone in your professional journey. With time, experience, and a deepened understanding of your own boundaries, signposting will become second nature—a natural extension of your therapeutic role, not an abandonment of it. Each time you direct a client towards a resource better suited to their needs, you reinforce the foundation of a successful therapeutic relationship: a dedication to the client’s well-being above all else.