How To Handle Emotional Abuse By A Psychotherapist

By Ines Flores


Emotional or physical abuse by therapists is depressing especially considering the breach of trust. Specifically, emotional abuse by a psychotherapist is considered a grave professional offense. The most common manifestation is when a therapist engages in a manner that is against your interest. It means he has taken advantage of your vulnerability to exploit, manipulate and control you through actions that are beyond stipulated professional boundaries.

You should sense danger if the relationship takes a dual form. This means that beyond therapy, something else crops up. It begins with unofficial meetings, conversations and contact. Violation is as common to men as it is to women. Adults are also abused as much as children are abused. Since you regard the therapist as your doctor, it is easy to miss the danger signs.

Male therapists violate male clients in the same way they do to female clients. Female clients dealing with female therapists should also be careful because they are vulnerable as well. When the violation is not checked, it escalates into physical exploitation. The most common form of physical exploitation is engaging in sexual acts with your therapist.

To guarantee safety, patients are advised to understand standard procedures. This enables you to identify when the psychotherapist has crossed his boundaries. Your gut feeling will tell you when something is wrong. The best step is to drop the current therapist and seek an alternative. A second opinion at the earliest opportunity will help you dispel or confirm any suspicion.

Some of the behaviors that indicate that things are not right include discussions about the conditions of other clients, personal life and intrusive or uncomfortable topics. Therapy should not make you to feel hurt in whichever way. Any hurt should cause you to quit at the earliest opportunity.

Abusive therapists are known to intimidate, degrade, shame and humiliate their clients. The basic principle during therapy is to provide healing. This means that you must feel better after the first few sessions. Suggestive comments and intrusive behaviors like winking, hugging, kissing and even sexual contact are regarded as abusive and unprofessional.

Decisions made regarding therapy should not be rushed or under pressure. Communication with the therapist should maintain a formal tone whether on call, text message, email or during appointments. Meeting time and location must be official. Do not entertain comments or compliments like beautiful and sexy because they are suggestive.

To prevent abuse, maintain professional distance and space at all times. Therapists exploit your vulnerability by making you feel as though the person is more important than the services he or she is offering. Avoid the feeling of guilt when you miss a session with a good reason. All therapy sessions and discussions should center on your well being and not other personal issues.

In case of abuse, talk to your spouse, family, parent or close friend. There are organizations offering help to victims of therapy abuse. The internet has a number of websites with incredible resources. Beyond seeking legal redress, contact the professional body that licenses therapists to ensure that others are not violated as well.




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