How To Handle Therapy Abuse

By Lucia Weeks


There are many unreported cases of therapists who abuse their clients in the line of duty. This experience is traumatizing because it signals broken trust. A therapist is expected to guide you into good health and safety. Therapy abuse happens when certain actions go beyond what is considered professional. Every procedure should be geared towards your best interest.

Problems arise when dual relationships develop in the course of treatment. While the opinion and guidance of therapists is appreciated, it must respect professional ethics and boundaries. Adults are as vulnerable to abuse as children. Victims should take quick action to stop the situation from escalating. Alternative treatment is required lest the victim suffers due to confidence crisis.

Abusive professionals are both male and female. Sexual exploitation is the most common form with minors being at the greatest risk. Failure to report the cases or seek alternative assistance may send the victim to hospital due to depression with numerous cases of attempted suicide and actual suicide.

Clients are advised to clearly understand their expectations and the treatment method. Your gut feelings will tell you if something is wrong. In such a case, make a quick decision to stop and seek the services from another person or an alternative procedure. Full knowledge and a second opinion gives you a clear picture of what to expect.

There are behaviors that will signal unprofessional conduct. A therapist who discusses other clients, his personal life or uncomfortable topics is likely to be abusive. If you feel hurt or violated during the initial sessions, it is time to quit. This will ensure that the situation does not get out of hand.

Some therapists make you feel humiliated, degraded, ashamed and intimidated. This will leave you feeling worse than when you sort their assistance. Suggestive and sexually erotic comments are a sign of unprofessional behavior. Engaging in kissing, hugging, winking and suggestive sexual behaviors indicates that something wrong is happening.

A therapist should not pressure you into decisions or activities that are uncomfortable. Text messages, calls, emails and meetings must remain within office space, hours and professional conduct. Compliments should be in appreciation of better health or improvement and not directed to personal attributes. Personal space must be respected under all circumstances.

A therapist must maintain professional distance. Your vulnerability is likely to blind you into his or her trap. Focus should never shift to him instead of his professional services. The procedure should be standardized instead of appearing like only him or her has the solution to your problem. Do not feel anxious whenever you miss a session. If any anxiety crops up, it should be natural.

A close friend, spouse or parent should be the first person to run to. There are therapy exploitation websites and organization to help you overcome the challenge. The sites give you link to resourceful individuals or crucial information to help you deal with it. It is advisable to talk to another therapist. The legal channels available include reporting to the police, attorney as well as filing a complaint with his or her professional body. Even the slightest violation should be reported.




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