ABSTRACT
A referral to another therapist during an existing therapy can be viewed as a request for help by the referring therapist. The need for a referral occurs when the referrer feels unsure of his/her role in the therapeutic process. The referring relationship depends upon the stage of the therapeutic process at the moment of referral, the positions of the referring and consulting therapist in the work system, and the professional relationship between the referring therapist and the consulting therapist. The referring relationship can be a very effective one if well defined and collaborative; however, problems arise when this relationship is not well defined nor collegial. This results in what I call a “pain-in-the-ass” relationship.
