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 go to therapy for a myriad of reasons. However, basically, it helps them gain security, safety and happiness in their lives. In a healthy and stable environment created by both parties, the client is able to open up about their innermost secrets, concerns and issues. To create such a stable and healthy environment, there should be trust between the patient and counselor.
The client-psychotherapist relationship is complicated and is not as easy as it sounds. For starters, the therapist has the power to influence the client who is mostly weak and vulnerable. A non professional psychotherapist takes advantage of the imbalance of power with dire consequences. It is even worse for patients who have been victims of such heinous crimes in the past since violation and therapy may be one and the same thing.
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 way to determine whether the professional and personal relationship boundaries are blurry is indefinite sessions. In addition, belonging to similar social circles or having similar social relationships. The two individuals should not even attend similar parties unless they have discussed the implications. An out of office relationship with the psychotherapist or even members of their family is not allowed at all.
If you feel that the therapist is abusing you, he or she is probably doing so. The therapist probably says degrading, intimidating, humiliating things to shame or manipulate you. In other cases, he or she makes you feel like you need them. When you miss a session, you probably feel anxious since the therapist has insinuated that they are only one who can fix you. If this describes you, you need to go with your instinct and take appropriate measures to stop the therapy.
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.
It is traumatizing to be emotionally abused, especially, if done by someone you completely trusted. It is worse for patients who have been abused before. Some of them add to the emotional burdens they are carrying while others become suicidal.
People go to therapy for a myriad of reasons. However, basically, it helps them gain security, safety and happiness in their lives. In a healthy and stable environment created by both parties, the client is able to open up about their innermost secrets, concerns and issues. To create such a stable and healthy environment, there should be trust between the patient and counselor.
The client-psychotherapist relationship is complicated and is not as easy as it sounds. For starters, the therapist has the power to influence the client who is mostly weak and vulnerable. A non professional psychotherapist takes advantage of the imbalance of power with dire consequences. It is even worse for patients who have been victims of such heinous crimes in the past since violation and therapy may be one and the same thing.
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 way to determine whether the professional and personal relationship boundaries are blurry is indefinite sessions. In addition, belonging to similar social circles or having similar social relationships. The two individuals should not even attend similar parties unless they have discussed the implications. An out of office relationship with the psychotherapist or even members of their family is not allowed at all.
If you feel that the therapist is abusing you, he or she is probably doing so. The therapist probably says degrading, intimidating, humiliating things to shame or manipulate you. In other cases, he or she makes you feel like you need them. When you miss a session, you probably feel anxious since the therapist has insinuated that they are only one who can fix you. If this describes you, you need to go with your instinct and take appropriate measures to stop the therapy.
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.
It is traumatizing to be emotionally abused, especially, if done by someone you completely trusted. It is worse for patients who have been abused before. Some of them add to the emotional burdens they are carrying while others become suicidal.
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