"Is This Even Safe?" How to Spot Program Ideas That Cross Professional and Ethical Boundaries

If you've been sitting on a program idea but paralyzed by the question "Am I allowed to do this?" - you're not alone. This episode tackles the fear that keeps brilliant therapists stuck on the sidelines of the online space.

I'm breaking down the critical difference between scope-safe and sketchy program positioning, using real examples of ideas that started with good intentions but crossed dangerous lines. You'll discover why following generic business advice can land therapists in hot water, and more importantly, how to spot the red flags before you invest months developing something risky.

Whether you're worried about board complaints, accidentally attracting people in crisis, or just want confidence that your program idea is ethically sound - this episode gives you the practical checklist you need.

If you've been torn between wanting to scale your impact and staying safely within your scope of practice, or you're tired of second-guessing every program idea you have - this episode is for you.

HERE ARE THE 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:

Generic business advice is dangerous for therapists - "Teach what you're passionate about" sounds innocent, but when what you know is therapy, this advice can lead you straight into scope violations without realizing it.

Language choices reveal everything - Words like "heal," "treat," "cure," "recovery," and "disorder" immediately signal clinical territory. If your marketing copy sounds therapeutic, you've probably crossed the line.

Your audience type determines safety - Growth-seekers want optimization; help-seekers need intervention. Attracting people in crisis to educational programs creates ethical dilemmas and safety risks.

Delivery method matters as much as content - Even scope-safe topics become problematic when delivered through inappropriate formats. Self-paced trauma content or group processing without therapeutic boundaries are recipe for disaster.

Red flag spotting is reactive, not proactive - While identifying warning signs protects you from obvious mistakes, what therapists really need is a systematic way to evaluate ideas before developing them.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Professional Registration Boards - Check your specific jurisdiction's guidelines for online program creation
• Scope of Practice Guidelines - Review what constitutes educational vs. therapeutic delivery in your area
• Continuing Education Requirements - Ensure any program delivery aligns with your professional development obligations

MORE FROM ME

• The Aligned Idea Accelerator - For therapists ready to find their scope-safe program concept: https://therapistsrising.com/idea
• Follow me on Instagram: @dr.hayleykelly for daily insights on ethical program creation

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW

If this episode helped you feel more confident about evaluating your program ideas, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts here. Your support helps us reach more therapists who need practical guidance on creating impact while staying within professional boundaries.

The online space doesn't have to be scary territory for therapists. With the right frameworks, you can create programs that transform lives while keeping your registration completely safe.

Thanks for tuning in to Therapists Rising! See you next week!