Turn To A Different Counselor Before Becoming A Victim Of Therapy Abuse

By Iva Cannon


As is true in any of the helping professions, there are good providers, bad providers and those that are downright damaging. It is a sad situation when the very person whom you turn to for help, is capable of therapy abuse. Fortunately, some of his actions may alert you to the fact that you should seek another therapist.

During a first appointment you can tell if something does not feel right. Trust your own feelings. If you go to this person for a few appointments, chances are those methods may seem to make sense. You can find your emotional state worse instead of better.

Sometimes features that are unfamiliar will make the client realize a therapist is not an ethical practitioner. Changing to another psychologist will resolve that problem. Another therapist, who does not know the first one, can offer an opinion based on what you relate.

After five appointments you should notice two things. You should feel that you are making progress in dealing with whatever disorder brought you to therapy. You should also be able to foresee a time when you will no longer be in need of therapy.

If you develop a dependency on a counselor, that is not beneficial. Methods that are administered should not make you feel uncomfortable. If they are quite different from those you have heard about, ask questions. When you are unable to have your questions answered, it is a signal that you are not comfortable with the therapeutic situation.

You may be encouraged to stop spending time with the wrong people. This group would include those who drink or take drugs. It might be a romantic interest who is physically abusive. But, you should not be discouraged from staying away from family members or friends at school you enjoy spending time with.

That would be a definite sign that your therapist is someone you should not be spending time with. Any physical contact is not acceptable. Even when a patient encourages such advances, it is up to the professional to stop it.

The psychologist is a person and may have human problems and frailties. They should not be a topic to discuss during your sessions. You are the focus of the therapy, not the therapist.

Other signals may indicate that a therapist is not ethical. If you are offered therapy at a low price, it may be a warning that something is not right. A sliding scale fee is lower than the full fee, however, the professional should be adequately compensated. Watch for these and other signs of non-typical practices.

If he bills your insurance company for sessions that were not provided, it is an illegal act. If you do not report it you could be considered an accomplice in insurance fraud. If you are a self-pay client, you should always pay on time.

Remember you are entitled to be treated respectfully. You are also entitled to question something that does not seem right. But, sometimes your insecurity makes it difficult to stand up to a therapist. If you doubts about the treatment you are receiving and cannot discuss it, simply move on to a new therapist.




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