Monday 6 October 2014

By Jocelyn Davidson





There are many individuals, both male and female, who have reaped the rewards of working with a therapist. However, not all behave in the way they should. When someone reports unethical treatment by psyhotherapist, there is a high probability it may be a valid complaint.



In spite of the fact that it is detrimental to the welfare of the patient, some therapists will initiate sexual contact with her. The woman who turns to him for help due to a mental or emotional disorder is further burdened with another negative experience. There is never a time when this is beneficial to the client.



When the patient is the one trying to initiate a sexual relationship, it is the responsibility of the therapist to put a stop to it. Such a patient may mistake professional concern for romantic interest. A therapist must correct that misinterpretation.



Over four percent of all clients report sexual abuse of some kind has been perpetrated against them. Most are male on female. However, there are some female therapists who initiate sexual contact with male clients.



Eleven percent respond by being placed in a hospital rather than being treated as an outpatient. Suicide is attempted by four percent. In the worst case scenario, one percent succeed in taking their own lives.



The therapeutic relationship must be a balance of concern for the patient and keeping a professional distance. Physically, there should be no touching. But, without the perception of a counselor who cares about your well-being, it is difficult for trust and response to treatment to occur.



If the client becomes too dependent or too romantically inclined, it is up to the professional to curb the situation. Whenever it seems to be spiraling out of control, he may suggest another therapist take over the case. This may make the client feel rejected and requires a careful explanation of why it is necessary.



Some professionals do not accept the fact that sexual abuse of a patient is not only unethical, but also illegal. In some states it is an offense punishable by prison time. In all it is at least a misdemeanor. It takes a brave patient to report such abuse.



It is difficult to prove the therapist is guilty. When the word of a mentally disturbed woman is weighed against that of a respected professional, it is obvious who is likely to be more believable. The patient may be left in a worse mental state than when she first asked for help.



Some patients will hire an attorney to advise them in how to proceed. There are three pathways that can be followed to actively retaliate when they are abused and possibly, collect damages from the accused abuser. The results are different at the end of each.



A civil court may award financial compensation to cover medical bills and future therapy. The amount differs in each case. In addition, she may collect money in the form of punitive damages.



Loss in a criminal court will involve sentencing to prison, community service or a suspended sentence. Regardless, the proven abuse will remain on his permanent record. His ethical standards will forever be questionable.









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