Wednesday, February 4, 2015

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.

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.

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.

Every patient should understand the procedure used for the sake of safety. The idea is to help you identify if a particular session has gone beyond the norm. Your gut feelings will tell you when there is a problem. Do not ignore your instincts. Experts suggest that you change your therapist as early as possible if you sense danger. Consult another therapist for a second opinion if you have doubts with the current one.

Unprofessional conduct takes the form of discussions that are personal, about other clients, uncomfortable and on intrusive topics. If you feel physically or emotionally hurt during therapy, it is advisable to review the procedure. These are the early signs of danger that must never be ignored.

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 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.

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.




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