How to recognize a fraudulent psychotherapist?

Fake psychotherapists can be hard to spot. However, beware if the person you are consulting:

is not a licensed psychotherapist;
promises you results, whatever your problem;
insists on his or her special skills or power;
disparages the work of others, especially professionals;
claims to have satisfied clients;
urges you not to seek information outside his or her own circle;
uses titles such as “soul therapist,” “medium,” or “life coach” while offering you treatment for a psychological disorder (e.g. depression or anxiety);
talks about chakras, astrology, esotericism, shamanism or energy balance as a means of treating a psychological disorder;
says that you have full power, the potential to change, and that if it doesn't work, it's because you don't trust enough, that you have difficulty surrendering to the treatment.

Even if the person never utters the word “psychotherapy,” if he or she practices psychological treatment aimed at transforming your way of being and acting to relieve suffering or psychological distress, the law requires him or her to have or obtain a permit or to cease his or her activities.

For more information:

Illegal practice and usurpation of title:

See “What is illegal practice and usurpation of title?” on the Ordre's website.

What is psychotherapy?

Although psychotherapy is an activity defined and reserved by law, it can be difficult to distinguish it from related interventions. The Ordre offers training to improve your understanding of the meaning and scope of the definition of psychotherapy, locate the boundary between psychotherapy and related interventions, and distinguish the practice of psychotherapy from interventions involving the use of tools or techniques derived from theoretical models.

See “Training to improve understanding and recognition of psychotherapy” on the Ordre's website.