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Courageous Women Report Unethical Treatment By Psychotherapist

By Jocelyn Davidson


In most instances a therapist will put forth his best effort to help a patient who turns to him. A few do not conform to ethical standards that are acceptable. When a mistreated patient reports abuse, sexual or otherwise, it is likely she has been victimized because of unethical treatment by psyhotherapist.

An unethical professional will ignore the fact that it will be detrimental to the client and initiate a sexual relationship. As a result, the client will be further traumatized rather than being helped. The trauma is never of benefit to the patient.

When the patient is the one trying to initiate a sexual relationship, it is the responsibility of the therapist to put a stop to it. Such a patient may mistake professional concern for romantic interest. A therapist must correct that misinterpretation.

Over four percent of all clients report sexual abuse of some kind has been perpetrated against them. Most are male on female. However, there are some female therapists who initiate sexual contact with male clients.

Any patient who is sexually abused may end up as an inpatient instead of an outpatient. Many are hospitalized after attempting suicide. Of the four percent who make an attempt, one percent are successful.

Without some degree of caring on the part of the psychotherapist, counseling cannot be effective. Without trust being established the client will not be able to benefit from treatment. However, that caring can sometimes be interpreted by a client as romantic interest.

The psychotherapist is always responsible for maintaining a professional physical and emotional distance. If it cannot be maintained, perhaps another therapist should take over the case. This may require a careful transfer to avoid making a client feel rejected.

There are sociopathic therapists who feel they have the right to take advantage of a vulnerable patient. In addition to being unethical, it is illegal in many states. If it is a criminal offense in your state of residence, he may receive prison time.

It is difficult to prove the therapist is guilty. When the word of a mentally disturbed woman is weighed against that of a respected professional, it is obvious who is likely to be more believable. The patient may be left in a worse mental state than when she first asked for help.

Some patients will hire an attorney to advise them in how to proceed. There are three pathways that can be followed to actively retaliate when they are abused and possibly, collect damages from the accused abuser. The results are different at the end of each.

In civil court winning the case will allow her to collect damages, have medical expenses covered and future therapy paid for. Punitive damages may also apply. When reporting to a review board, it is possible for the therapist to lose his license either temporarily or permanently depending on circumstances.

Secondly, a criminal complaint can be filed. If the client wins this case, the therapist may have to spend time in prison. The third choice is to file a complaint with the review board that governs mental health professionals. This will go on record and if enough clients complain, his license to practice may be revoked.




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