Recently, cases of counselors abusing their clients have been on the rise. In cases where the cases came to light, they were arrested and prosecuted. Meanwhile, another form of abuse has cropped up, and since it leaves no physical evidence, cases are not reported. Emotional abuse by a psychotherapist is as bad as sexual harassment. It leaves the victim confused and hurting, especially because it is from someone they trusted with their deepest secrets and vulnerabilities.
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 the description above fits you, it may be time to move out of the relationship. You may want to see another therapist, preferably one who does not know your previous one. Also, talk to your friend or someone you trust like a parent or spouse. Legal action may be necessary also because the law protects patients from abuse. In addition, consider launching a formal complaint with the board so that no one else goes through your experience.
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.
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 the description above fits you, it may be time to move out of the relationship. You may want to see another therapist, preferably one who does not know your previous one. Also, talk to your friend or someone you trust like a parent or spouse. Legal action may be necessary also because the law protects patients from abuse. In addition, consider launching a formal complaint with the board so that no one else goes through your experience.
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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