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Monday, 2 February 2015

How To Handle Emotional Abuse By A Psychotherapist

By Ines Flores


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.

Abusive therapists come in both genders. The abuser does not have to be of an opposite gender. This means that a male therapist may violate a male patient, with the same case happening to women therapists and clients. When not checked, emotional violation grows into physical violation with sexual acts being the most common manifestation.

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.

Some of the behaviors that indicate that things are not right include discussions about the conditions of other clients, personal life and intrusive or uncomfortable topics. Therapy should not make you to feel hurt in whichever way. Any hurt should cause you to quit at the earliest opportunity.

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.

Decisions made regarding therapy should not be rushed or under pressure. Communication with the therapist should maintain a formal tone whether on call, text message, email or during appointments. Meeting time and location must be official. Do not entertain comments or compliments like beautiful and sexy because they are suggestive.

To keep off violation, maintain professional distance. Patients seeking therapy are already vulnerable and easily blinded by their benefactors. Do not be lured into thinking that he is the source of your help and not his services. It is his professional services that you require. Missing a session should come with natural anxiety but not personal guilt.

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.




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