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How To Deal With Emotional Abuse By A Psychotherapist

By Ines Flores


It is a huge disappointment when your trust in a psychotherapist is betrayed through abuse. This is a professional with the responsibility of guiding you through the journey of emotional healing. Emotional abuse by a psychotherapist comes in the form of exploitation, control and manipulation. The abuser goes beyond professional boundaries into actions that are not in your interest.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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