What constitutes "uninvited soliciting" in the context of psychotherapy?

Uninvited soliciting in the context of psychotherapy refers to the act of aggressively approaching potential clients, particularly when they are in vulnerable or crisis situations. This behavior is problematic because it can exploit individuals during emotionally sensitive times, potentially creating an imbalance of power and taking advantage of their circumstances. Ethical guidelines for psychotherapists emphasize the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and allowing clients the autonomy to seek help voluntarily.

Offering help to friends and family, advertising services in a non-intrusive manner, and providing services based on client referrals do not reflect uninvited soliciting since these actions are generally considered acceptable practices within the profession. They either respect the agency of individuals or occur in contexts where individuals have the opportunity to seek services without pressure.