Thursday, February 12, 2015

Clients Right After 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 imperative that a client fully comprehends the importance of law and ethics to a practice, a psychotherapist practice is founded on a strong ethics and law foundation. Without ethical principles, the practice does not exist does not have the need to either. Therefore, if a therapist breaches one of the ethical principles, it is not only a breach to a patients rights but also an insult to the practice.

Unethical treatment may involve several aspects. For instance, your sessions are completely confidential and if the psychotherapist reveals anything without your consent, it is a breach of your rights. Also, if he or she makes sexual or romantic advances to you, that is completely not ethical. Also, friendships are not ethical unless it does not hinder their performance or affect you as a patient.

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.

It is important to confirm and be completely sure that your therapist has indeed breached your right to ethical therapy before making any move. This is because it could completely end their career; you want to make the move when you are absolutely sure of what you are doing. Consult with some friends, another therapist or even a lawyer.

So what are your options as a client whose right to ethical therapy has been breached? As a patient, you may discuss the therapist questionable behavior with them. Also, you are free to seek counsel from a different health professional. Lawyers are also helpful in helping you chart a way out. Lastly, you may contact their professional association to ask questions or report a complaint.

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.

Living with an emotional pain is difficult. Having to talk to someone else who is a total stranger is also not easy. Therefore, therapists who take advantage of this vulnerability and gullibility of clients should not be allowed to continue practicing. Let us all ensure that only those who follow ethical principles help find our path again.




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