lundi 2 février 2015

How To Tackle Emotional Abuse By A Psychotherapist

By Ines Flores


It is a huge disappointment when your trust in a psychotherapist is betrayed through abuse. This is a professional with the responsibility of guiding you through the journey of emotional healing. Emotional abuse by a psychotherapist comes in the form of exploitation, control and manipulation. The abuser goes beyond professional boundaries into actions that are not in your interest.

The signs of danger can be seen when the relationship goes beyond therapy. The two of you begin to relate beyond the limits of a patient and a therapist. The manner of contact, meetings and conversation ceases to be professional. Men should be as worried as women are with adults being abused as much as children. What blinds a person is the trust that a patient has in a doctor.

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.

All decisions made in the course of therapy must be voluntary and not rushed. Official language and space should be maintained during meetings, text messages, emails and calls. Meetings and venues that are unofficial need to be avoided. Compliments like sexy and beautiful are regarded as unethical and abusive.

Maintaining professional distance or space is the best way to avoid violation. Your vulnerability or weakness when seeking therapy should not be exploited. A therapist who makes you dependent on him instead of his services is most likely taking advantage of you. The fact that you missed a session is not a reason to feel personal guilt. An explanation should solve the issue without breeding anxiety.

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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