Dec 13, 2014

How To Avoid Therapy Abuse

By Lucia Weeks


It is frustrating when your trust is violated by the therapist you thought would be the source of solace and good health. Common acts that should raise alarm include control, manipulation and exploitation. You should consider it therapy abuse if the things you will be engaged in are not in your best interest. A feeling of dependency beyond professional level should alert you that something is wrong.

The emergence of any form of dual relationships in the process treatment signals the possibility of violation. Most people are vulnerable because they trust in the guidance and opinion of the therapist. Adults fall victims as much as children do. Quick action is required to ensure that violation does not cause the situation to get out of hand. Such an occurrence affects the confidence of victims with some cases becoming irredeemable.

Abusive professionals are both male and female. Sexual exploitation is the most common form with minors being at the greatest risk. Failure to report the cases or seek alternative assistance may send the victim to hospital due to depression with numerous cases of attempted suicide and actual suicide.

To avoid or limit abuse, professionals suggest that you follow your gut feelings. This means that, if it feels wrong, it probably is wrong and requires review. Seek the assistance of another therapist or confide in a person you trust. This helps you clarify if the procedure is right and whether it will deliver desired results.

It is easy to spot unprofessional conduct by your therapist. Therapists who discuss personal matters, sensitive topics and personal lives are unethical and possibly abusive. You should quit if the initial sessions feel violating and abusive. It prevents the situation from getting out of hand.

Therapists who make you feel ashamed, intimidated, humiliated and degraded are abusing your vulnerability. This is a healing process and should make you feel better. Erotic and suggestive comments are signs of trouble ahead. Winking, hugging, kissing and sexual acts signal trouble.

A therapist should not pressure you to make any decision or engage in an act that makes you feel uncomfortable. Calls, emails, text messages or meetings outside the office indicate unprofessional behavior and point to abusive relationships. Attention needs to be on your personality and achievements other than your dressing or looks. Comments like you are beautiful and sexy are the first steps towards abuse.

Most victims are trapped because they feel vulnerable while the therapist appears as your source of comfort. It is the professional services that are important and not necessarily the therapist. There are standard procedures in each case and they must be respected. Failure to attend any sessions should not leave you feeling guilty or anxious. The attachment to therapy should be strictly professional.

A close friend, spouse or parent should be the first person to run to. There are therapy exploitation websites and organization to help you overcome the challenge. The sites give you link to resourceful individuals or crucial information to help you deal with it. It is advisable to talk to another therapist. The legal channels available include reporting to the police, attorney as well as filing a complaint with his or her professional body. Even the slightest violation should be reported.




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