ABSTRACT
Recognition of the limitations of one's training and experience is important in determining whether we should take on a particular client. It goes without saying that we should not work with clients who we do not have the skills or knowledge to work with effectively. The issue is where do we draw the line? We have to gain experience at some point, and sometimes it may not be apparent at the outset that we do not have the required skills or knowledge to work with someone. In this instance the primary determining factor has to be the principle of protection; is there suf®cient safety to work with this client, at this time? If we cannot provide suf®cient safety we must refer the client on appropriately. If in the course of working with someone the therapist discovers issues or problems they are unfamiliar in working with, it is important that the therapist seeks supervisory advice and makes serious attempts to extend their knowledge in the particular area, through reading and attending relevant workshops. To some extent therapists who regularly engage in a wide range of reading around different presenting issues will be in a better position to judge than those who do not.
