Wednesday, 28 January 2015

How To Tackle 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.

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 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.

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.

In case of abuse, seek refuge in close relatives, friends, spouse or parents. Support organizations in the neighborhood can also help you in dealing with the issue. The internet has numerous resources that can help you a great deal. Notify the police and the accrediting body for psychotherapists so that appropriate disciplinary action may be taken.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment