Emotional or physical abuse by therapists is depressing especially considering the breach of trust. Specifically, emotional abuse by a psychotherapist is considered a grave professional offense. The most common manifestation is when a therapist engages in a manner that is against your interest. It means he has taken advantage of your vulnerability to exploit, manipulate and control you through actions that are beyond stipulated professional boundaries.
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.
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.
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.
Violation also comes in the form of intimidation, shame, degrading and humiliation. Therapy is a process that should heal psychological wounds. You must feel better with every session and not be attached to the therapist. You should smell trouble when the comments begin to get suggestive. Behaviors like kissing, hugging, winking and sexual acts are unprofessional and abusive.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Violation also comes in the form of intimidation, shame, degrading and humiliation. Therapy is a process that should heal psychological wounds. You must feel better with every session and not be attached to the therapist. You should smell trouble when the comments begin to get suggestive. Behaviors like kissing, hugging, winking and sexual acts are unprofessional and abusive.
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.
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.
About the Author:
If you believe that you have suffered emotional abuse by a psychotherapist come to TELL, the Therapy Exploitation Link Line. Visit us online today at http://therapyabuse.org for more details.
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