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.
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 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 extremely traumatizing especially coming from someone you trust with your innermost secrets. Many patients who are abused are not even aware of it, especially if the therapist is counseling them for another form of abuse. Such patients end up with even more emotional burdens while some of them are suicidal. Consequently, it is important to disengage from abusive relationships.
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.
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 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 extremely traumatizing especially coming from someone you trust with your innermost secrets. Many patients who are abused are not even aware of it, especially if the therapist is counseling them for another form of abuse. Such patients end up with even more emotional burdens while some of them are suicidal. Consequently, it is important to disengage from abusive relationships.
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