Therapist abuse is a devastating betrayal of trust that can have profound and long-lasting impacts on survivors. When a client seeks help and support from a therapist but instead experiences exploitation and abuse, it can have a devastating impact on their sense of safety and self-worth. Even worse, it can affect their ability to trust others in the future.
The effects of this abuse are often severe and enduring, affecting survivors emotionally, psychologically, physically, and interpersonally for years or even decades after the abuse occurred. It’s beneficial to understand these long-term consequences so you can potentially hold abusive therapists accountable and prevent future abuse. To go about the process properly, working with a Michigan therapist abuse lawyer can help you sort out the details of your potential case and point you in the right direction.
Emotional and Psychological Impacts to Be Aware Of
Therapist abuse can result in debilitating emotional and psychological trauma. Even if the abuse was more mental and not physical, it can still lead to long-lasting issues. Common effects include:
- Severe anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Profound feelings of shame, self-blame, worthlessness and low self-esteem
- Difficulty regulating emotions; emotional numbness or overwhelming distress
- Self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or suicide attempts
Survivors often struggle with coming to terms with the fact that someone they trusted so deeply betrayed and harmed them. They may doubt their own perceptions, memories, and judgment. The psychological manipulation and gaslighting that frequently accompany therapist abuse can leave survivors feeling disoriented, confused, and unsure of what is real.
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Therapist Abuse Can Lead to Trust Issues and Relationship Challenges
Given the profound violation of trust, boundaries, and the therapy relationship involved in therapist abuse, it’s not surprising that many survivors develop severe and chronic difficulties with trust and relationships. They may struggle to open up to and rely on others, even friends, family, and future therapists. This fear of vulnerability and reliance on others can lead to isolation and loneliness.
Fears of betrayal, exploitation, and re-victimization can make it very hard to establish and maintain close relationships. Some survivors develop a deep distrust and wariness towards all authority figures, particularly those in helping professions. This distrust can prevent survivors from seeking necessary help and support.
Conversely, some survivors may have difficulty setting appropriate boundaries, standing up for themselves, or ending unhealthy relationships due to the abuse distorting their understanding of acceptable behavior. Dynamics of submission, compliance, and self-silencing learned in the abusive therapy relationship can carry over into other relationships. Survivors may find themselves in a pattern of unhealthy or even abusive relationships.
Physical Health Consequences of Therapist Abuse
The impact of therapist abuse goes beyond just mental health. You can have serious physical health consequences as well. Chronic stress, anxiety, and trauma take a heavy toll on the body. Individuals who endure abuse are at increased risk of:
- Headaches, fatigue, muscle tension, digestive issues
- Weakened immune system; getting sick more frequently or severely
- Disrupted sleep: insomnia, nightmares, night terrors, disturbed sleep
- Eating disorders and unhealthy relationships with food
- Chronic pain disorders like fibromyalgia linked to trauma
The clinical manifestations of body memories have been studied, and the body remembers and holds onto trauma, even when the conscious mind tries to forget. Physical symptoms can persist for years. Holistic treatment may be an ideal approach that addresses both the physical, mental, and emotional impacts of the abuse.
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Legal Rights and Protections
Under Michigan law, therapist abuse is illegal, and abusive therapists can face criminal charges, civil lawsuits, and loss of their professional license. Sexual activity or contact of any kind between therapists and clients is prohibited and cannot be excused by claims of consent. The law recognizes the severe harm caused by therapist abuse and provides avenues for holding abusers accountable.
Michigan law recognizes that the inherent power imbalance in the therapy relationship vitiates consent. Therapists are in a position of authority and trust, and they have a clear ethical and legal duty to never abuse or exploit clients. Even if a client expresses sexual interest or willingness, a therapist must never engage in sexual activity with them.
According to victim rights in Michigan, you have a right to report abusive therapists to law enforcement, file a complaint with the therapist’s licensing board, or pursue a civil lawsuit seeking financial damages. It’s important to know that there are statutes of limitations for pressing criminal charges and filing lawsuits, meaning there are time limits after the abuse occurred. However, options are still available even if the abuse happened years ago, so you should seek legal guidance and see what may be available to you so you can possibly break the silence of your experience.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
How to Document and Provide Evidence of Therapist Abuse
Abusive therapists often try to conceal and deny their misconduct, so documentation and evidence of the abuse are critical. But gathering and providing this evidence can be very daunting and painful for survivors. Here are some suggestions for how to document abuse:
- Journaling: writing down recollections of abusive incidents, inappropriate comments or actions, how it made you feel
- Saving communications: text messages, emails, cards, and letters that demonstrate a concerning or inappropriate relationship
- Reaching out to people you disclosed to: friends, family, and other professionals you told about disturbing therapy interactions
- Requesting therapy records: any documentation from sessions; use caution as records may be falsified
The Process May Seem Easier with a Michigan Therapist Abuse Attorney on Your Side
It can feel intimidating to stand up against a professional like a counselor. However, you also cannot accept the treatment they are giving you if you are experiencing abuse. They still need to be held accountable.
When you have White Law PLLC on your side, you can know which next step to take. We will look at the evidence you have and can possibly guide you through your case. Contact us to start with a free, no-obligation consultation to see how and if we can help you.
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