How To Handle Emotional Abuse By A Psychotherapist

By Ines Flores


It is disappointing when you trust a psychotherapist who then betrays you by emotional or physical violation. Emotional abuse by a psychotherapist is regarded as a professional crime. It happens when the therapist takes advantage of your vulnerability in the course of treatment. It takes the form of control, manipulation and exploitation. At this point, your interests are not being served and professional boundaries have been crossed.

The first signs of violation include the development of a dual relationship in the process of therapy. This means that you begin to relate beyond professional ethics and limits. Such a relationship takes the form of conversations, meetings and contact. The risk is as high in men as it is in women and affects adults as much as it affects children. It is difficult to detect because of the trust that exists between most therapists and patients.

Men are abused by male therapists in the same way that women are abused by female therapist. This means that everyone, regardless of his gender or age is vulnerable. The probability of violation escalating into physical abuse is real especially if quick action is not taken. The most common form of physical violation is engaging in sexual acts.

To guarantee safety during therapy it is advisable to research on the procedure. You will be in a position to question when the procedure deviates from the conventional path. Do not ignore your gut feelings at all. They give you a signal when the procedure takes a different turn. In case of discomfort, change the therapist at the earliest opportunity. It also is advisable to seek a second opinion if you doubt the approach by your current therapist.

Watch out for discussions about other clients, personal matters, uncomfortable or intrusive topics. The essence of therapy is to provide healing. This means that if you feel hurt you must take action immediately. According to experts, the signs of danger exist only that they are ignored in most cases.

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.

It is violating to be pressurized into making a decision or being rushed into one. Observe the language that is used during meetings, emails, calls and text message. It should remain official alongside meeting hours and venues. A therapist who compliments you as being sexy or beautiful is being unethical and therefore abusive.

To keep off violation, maintain professional distance. Patients seeking therapy are already vulnerable and easily blinded by their benefactors. Do not be lured into thinking that he is the source of your help and not his services. It is his professional services that you require. Missing a session should come with natural anxiety but not personal guilt.

The best persons to turn to when abused are parents, relatives, spouse and close friends. Contact an organization that supports victims of therapy abuse. There are very resourceful websites to help you deal with the phenomenon. It is advisable to report such a case to the police and notify the accrediting organization so that action can be taken.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment