Sunday, April 5, 2015

All About Emotional Abuse By A Psychotherapist

By Aimee Schwartz


Cases of counselors abusing clients have been on the rise in recent days. While some cases are reported, others are not and therapists continue abusing their already vulnerable patients. Most reported cases are of sexual abuse, with physical evidence; the guilty counselors are arrested and prosecuted. Emotional abuse by a psychotherapist, however, continues to plague the noble profession unchecked. Most clients do not report it because they are not even aware that it is happening.

People seek therapy for many reasons. Therapeutic sessions are meant to help patients feel secure, safe and happy again. For this to happen, both the therapist and client should create a healthy and stable environment in order to develop trust. Its only in a trustworthy relationship that a client expresses their feelings or emotions about specific things disturbing their peace.

The client-therapist relationship is, however, complicated. There is an imbalance of power with the counselor having a significant amount of power or influence over the client. Consequently, the relationship is open to abuse. Clients with a history of abuse are the most vulnerable because they may not differentiate between therapy and violation.

To differentiate violation and therapy, patients must always be on the watch out. Constantly ask yourself whether the relationship feels right. Also, examine the boundaries between the professional and personal relationship between you and your counselor. If the boundary seems a little bit blurry, it is time to run for the hills. Favors like reducing fees and other types of favors meant to make you feel special are not acceptable.

Another indicator of a blurry relationship is sessions that have no defined period of time. In addition, the client and therapist should not belong to the same social circles or attend similar events, professional or otherwise. In addition, the therapist must respect you as a client and adhere to professional guidelines on how he or she should treat you.

There are a few indicators to show an abusive therapeutic relationship. To start with, comments that degrade, humiliate, manipulate or shame you are a good sign that you fire the therapist. Its alright if the psychotherapist shows you things as they are but if gets out of hand and you feel embarrassed or shamed, it is not right. Also, you should not be made to feel that you need them or that they are the only ones who can help.

If you suspect your therapist is abusing you, take the necessary action before its too late. You may want to talk to someone you trust such as a friend, spouse or parent about your concerns. The internet can also be helpful in confirming whether your counseling therapy has gone beyond borders. Alternatively, another therapist, preferably one who does not know your previous counselor would help. Legal counsel, reporting them to their respective board or the police may also be of help.

Emotional abuse is a trauma by itself. It is even worse if it is orchestrated by someone you trusted. Patients who have been abused before are probably the most vulnerable. The net result is more emotional burdens for the patients who sometimes become suicidal.




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