How To Handle 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.

The signs of danger can be seen when the relationship goes beyond therapy. The two of you begin to relate beyond the limits of a patient and a therapist. The manner of contact, meetings and conversation ceases to be professional. Men should be as worried as women are with adults being abused as much as children. What blinds a person is the trust that a patient has in a doctor.

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.

To guarantee safety, patients are advised to understand standard procedures. This enables you to identify when the psychotherapist has crossed his boundaries. Your gut feeling will tell you when something is wrong. The best step is to drop the current therapist and seek an alternative. A second opinion at the earliest opportunity will help you dispel or confirm any suspicion.

Unprofessional conduct takes the form of discussions that are personal, about other clients, uncomfortable and on intrusive topics. If you feel physically or emotionally hurt during therapy, it is advisable to review the procedure. These are the early signs of danger that must never be ignored.

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.

Maintaining professional distance or space is the best way to avoid violation. Your vulnerability or weakness when seeking therapy should not be exploited. A therapist who makes you dependent on him instead of his services is most likely taking advantage of you. The fact that you missed a session is not a reason to feel personal guilt. An explanation should solve the issue without breeding anxiety.

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.




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