Therapist sexual 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 sexual 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 sexual 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 sexual abuse can result in debilitating emotional and psychological trauma. 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 harmed them. They may doubt their own perceptions, memories, and judgment. In cases where the therapist engages in psychological manipulation and gaslighting, it can leave survivors feeling disoriented, confused, and unsure of what is real.
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Therapist Sexual Abuse Can Lead to Trust Issues and Relationship Challenges
Given the profound violation of trust and boundaries, some survivors can 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 can carry over into relationships. Survivors may find themselves in a pattern of unhealthy or even abusive relationships.
Physical Health Consequences of Therapist Abuse
There can be serious long-term 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
Therapist sexual 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 sexual 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 Sexual Abuse
Abusive therapists often try to conceal and deny their misconduct, so documentation and evidence of the abuse are critical. While gathering and providing this evidence can be very daunting and painful for survivors, it can help build a strong case and hold the abuser accountable.
- Keep a detailed record of incidents, including dates, times, and descriptions of what happened.
- Save any communications, like texts or emails, that may indicate inappropriate behavior.
- Request copies of your therapy records; use caution as records may be falsified.
- Retain any physical evidence like clothes or personal items if they are relevant to the abuse.
- Retain copies of any medical evaluations if you visited a healthcare provider following the event.
- Consider reaching out to witnesses who may be able to corroborate your claims.
- Reach out to people you disclosed to, including friends, family, and other professionals.
Get Help From a Michigan Therapist Sexual Abuse Attorney
It can feel intimidating to stand up against a medical professional, but with White Law PLLC on your side, you’ll be supported every step of the way. We will look at the evidence you have and can guide you through your case. Contact us to start with a free, no-obligation consultation.
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