Choosing to seek therapy is a courageous step that involves placing significant trust in your therapist. You open up about your most personal struggles, traumas, and vulnerabilities, expecting a safe and supportive environment to heal and grow. A therapist should always have your best interests at heart and maintain strict ethical boundaries.
Therapist abuse is a serious violation and can have traumatic impacts on mental health, making matters worse. It’s important to know how to recognize signs of abuse so you can protect yourself. There are various ways to take action depending on the type of abuse experienced.
In the event of sexual assault, a Michigan therapist sexual abuse lawyer from White Law PLLC can provide legal support and guidance to help you seek justice.
Common Signs of Therapist Abuse
Violating the code of ethical standards of therapy is a serious breach that can have harmful consequences for clients seeking help and support. While most therapists adhere to strict ethical guidelines and prioritize their clients’ well-being, some may engage in harmful behaviors that exploit the vulnerable nature of the therapeutic relationship. Everyone in therapy should be aware of the signs of potential abuse so they can protect themselves and seek appropriate help if needed.
In cases where therapist abuse escalates to forced sexual contact, this is an outright violation and constitutes sexual assault. Such acts are criminal and a profound breach of trust. If you’ve experienced forced sexual contact, it is critical to contact a Michigan sexual abuse lawyer.
Other forms of therapist abuse can also be deeply damaging and should be addressed as well. Reporting to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) is one way to initiate action.
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Sexual Misconduct
One of the most egregious forms of therapist abuse is sexual misconduct. This includes any sexual contact, from inappropriate touching to intercourse. Therapists should never flirt with you, make sexual comments, or suggest meeting outside of therapy, even if framed as part of treatment.
Other signs can be more subtle, like commenting on your appearance, sharing sexual details about themselves, or steering discussions excessively to sexual topics. If a therapist engages in sexual misconduct, it’s never your fault, even if you felt emotionally connected to them. Michigan considers any sexual contact between a therapist and a current or former client to be unprofessional conduct, and signs of sexual misconduct by a therapist can include:
- Inappropriate touching during sessions
- Making sexual comments or jokes
- Asking you on a date or to meet privately
- Sharing details of their own sex life
- Insisting you disclose sexual experiences
Emotional Manipulation
Therapy should be an emotionally safe space where you feel supported and validated. An abusive therapist may instead use tactics of emotional manipulation to control or demean you. They may play on your insecurities, minimizing your concerns or blaming you for your struggles.
Some emotionally abusive therapists are judgmental, critical, or dismissive. They may disregard your boundaries, like pushing you to discuss things you’re not ready for or violating your confidentiality. Trust your instincts if interactions with your therapist leave you feeling small, inadequate, or guilty.
Gaslighting is another emotionally abusive tactic, where a therapist denies your experiences and makes you doubt your own perceptions. For example, if you confront them about a hurtful comment, they may deny ever saying it and act like you’re being oversensitive or irrational. Over time, gaslighting is crazy-making and can make you mistrust yourself.
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Breaches of Confidentiality
Trust is the most important component when someone is seeking help from therapy. You expect confidentiality when you share your innermost thoughts and experiences with a therapist. While there are a few legal and ethical exceptions where a therapist may disclose information to protect your safety or the safety of others, these situations are rare.
An abusive therapist may threaten to share your private information or actually violate your confidentiality. For example, they might mention personal details to your family members or other professionals without your consent. They could also blackmail you by threatening to expose sensitive information if you try to end therapy or report their misconduct.
Maintaining client confidentiality is not only an ethical duty but also a legal one. The Mental Health Professionals’ Duty to warn requires therapists to protect client confidentiality with only a few well-defined exceptions, such as reporting child abuse or serious threats of violence. If your therapist has violated your privacy, you can file a complaint with their licensing board and consider legal action.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
What to Do if You’re a Victim of Therapist Abuse
Experiencing abuse from a therapist can make you feel powerless, confused, and full of self-doubt. But you don’t have to suffer in silence. If you suspect your therapist of abusive or unethical behavior, remember that it is wrong, and you deserve safety, respect, and proper care.
Remember to document any incidents of inappropriate behavior, including what was said or done, along with the time and location it took place. This evidence can be helpful if you choose to file a complaint or take legal action.
Confide in a trusted friend or family member about what’s happening, or consult with another mental health professional or a victims’ advocate for support and guidance.
You can file a complaint of misconduct to the licensing boards for therapists, such as the Michigan Board of Counseling. These boards investigate ethical violations and can discipline therapists, including revoking their license to practice. If a crime has been committed, you may also choose to file a police report, which may help speed up the timeframe to settle your case.
If the abuse involved sexual assault, it’s essential to take immediate action. Sexual assault by a therapist is a serious criminal violation, and if you’ve experienced this, it’s crucial to contact a lawyer with experience in sexual abuse cases.
White Law PLLC is nationally recognized for helping sexual abuse victims get justice. Contact us for a free confidential consultation.
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