Do Not Allow Yourself To Become A Victim Of Therapy Abuse

By Iva Cannon


As is true in any of the helping professions, there are good providers, bad providers and those that are downright damaging. It is a sad situation when the very person whom you turn to for help, is capable of therapy abuse. Fortunately, some of his actions may alert you to the fact that you should seek another therapist.

During a first appointment you can tell if something does not feel right. Trust your own feelings. If you go to this person for a few appointments, chances are those methods may seem to make sense. You can find your emotional state worse instead of better.

Sometimes features that are unfamiliar will make the client realize a therapist is not an ethical practitioner. Changing to another psychologist will resolve that problem. Another therapist, who does not know the first one, can offer an opinion based on what you relate.

You should be able to sense some progress after three or four appointments. You can expect a prediction of how long treatment might take. Most psychological counseling is not extended longer than necessary.

No client should be overly dependent on a therapist. If the therapy seems to be radically different from what your friends have told you, that may be a strong warning signal. You should feel free to question the therapist as to why he is using those tactics. If you are uncomfortable about confronting him, that is not a good sign.

You may be encouraged to stop spending time with the wrong people. This group would include those who drink or take drugs. It might be a romantic interest who is physically abusive. But, you should not be discouraged from staying away from family members or friends at school you enjoy spending time with.

That would be a definite sign that your therapist is someone you should not be spending time with. Any physical contact is not acceptable. Even when a patient encourages such advances, it is up to the professional to stop it.

A psychologist is a human being with faults and problems. These should not be discussed with you in vivid detail. The focus of therapy is you, not the person providing it.

There may be other obvious signs of the counselor being unprofessional. Consider them to be warning signals. If he offers to lower his compensation to a ridiculously low amount that is one. Although some clients are given a price break to help their situation, it should not fall below a reasonable level.

If your insurer is billed for sessions that did not take place, that is an illegal act known as insurance fraud. If you neglect to report it you could be considered as an accomplice. If you finance your therapy without using insurance, the counselor should not allow you to miss payments or be consistently late in paying.

Always demand to be treated with respect. Also, do not hesitate to question anything that may seem suspicious. It is difficult to stand up to a therapist when you are insecure to begin with. However, if there are any doubts about the validity of your treatment, change to a different psychologist.




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