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 relationship of mutual trust between the patient and therapist is not as easy as it sounds. The psychotherapist is in a position of power, authority and influence over the patient and therefore, create a power imbalance. As a result, it is very easy to take advantage of the relationship. The situation is aggravated if the patient in question has a history of abuse since he or she may not tell violation and therapy apart.
The good thing is that it is easy to differentiate between acts of therapy and those of violation. However, to do so, patients must always be on the watch out. The best way to achieve this is to examine the boundaries of the relationship between the therapist and client. The line between professional and personal relationship between the counselor and therapist should not feel blurry at all.
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.
After examining the relationship, start looking at how the therapist treats you. If you feel like he or she is abusing you, its probably right, go with your instinct on this one. Do they give humiliating, degrading, manipulative or intimidating things to you? Or do they make you feel hopeless or that you are absolutely dependent on them. When you miss a session, do you feel anxious?
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 relationship of mutual trust between the patient and therapist is not as easy as it sounds. The psychotherapist is in a position of power, authority and influence over the patient and therefore, create a power imbalance. As a result, it is very easy to take advantage of the relationship. The situation is aggravated if the patient in question has a history of abuse since he or she may not tell violation and therapy apart.
The good thing is that it is easy to differentiate between acts of therapy and those of violation. However, to do so, patients must always be on the watch out. The best way to achieve this is to examine the boundaries of the relationship between the therapist and client. The line between professional and personal relationship between the counselor and therapist should not feel blurry at all.
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.
After examining the relationship, start looking at how the therapist treats you. If you feel like he or she is abusing you, its probably right, go with your instinct on this one. Do they give humiliating, degrading, manipulative or intimidating things to you? Or do they make you feel hopeless or that you are absolutely dependent on them. When you miss a session, do you feel anxious?
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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