Ending Unethical Treatment By Psyhotherapist

By Beryl Dalton


Psychotherapists like all other therapists operate guided by a strict code of regulations and ethics. They are dedicated to professional and ethical excellence in addition to commitment to service, advocacy as well as public participation. However, if you suspect unethical treatment by psyhotherapist, there are many avenues to air your grievances. Red flags to look out for include emotional blackmail, inexperience, uncaring and sloppiness.

It is important to understand the importance of law and ethics in a psychotherapists practices. Ethics and law are what governs their practice. Without ethics, therapy is as good as dead and is completely irrelevant. As a result, breaching ethics during treatment of a patient makes it such a severe crime. The consequences may be suspension or termination of the practicing license. In some cases, legal action is necessary.

So what exactly is unethical treatment? It may involve confidentiality breach, where the psychotherapist reveals information concerning your sessions without your consent. Also, any romantic or sexual gestures from the therapist are a no-no. Encounters outside the practice are also prohibited. Friendships and any other type of relationship likely to affect the psychotherapist performance or harm the client are also considered unethical.

It is an ethical obligation for psychologists to bill their patients accurately. In addition, they should explain their financial policies from the beginning of the therapy. If he or she bills for a service that is covered rather than what was provided is ethically wrong. Also, exaggerating a patient diagnosis or writing less damaging diagnosis is not ethically acceptable.

If you feel your ethical rights have been breached in the above or others ways, there are several options available. But, first and foremost, you need to confirm and be completely sure that indeed your right to ethical therapy has been breached. You do not want to destroy someones career over a hunch. Talk to someone whom you trust or a lawyer to know your next step.

If you are now sure that your right to ethical treatment was indeed violated, you can choose the way forward from a pool of several options. Confronting them and talking to them about their questionable behavior is the first option that many people prefer. Another option may be to report them to their particular licensing or professional body. If your lawyer advises so, you may also file a law suit.

If you feel your life may be in danger, you need to report to law enforcement officers. After unethical treatment, termination of the sessions will happen at one point or another. Despite what they may have done to you, ending the sessions amicably should be the way to go. Do not simply stop coming to sessions or ignore their phone calls; that is hiding not termination.

Having emotional or other kind of issues is a difficult thing for anyone. Sharing them with someone is not easy either. Most psychotherapists have good and ethical practices, helping millions of people find their path again. However, there are a few who take advantage of their unsuspecting gullible clients. Such individuals should not be allowed to continue practicing; instead, they should be put away for good.




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