Therapist Sexual Abuse Attorneys

The victims of a sexual assault by therapists suffer greatly from those crimes. This breach is made even worse by the fact that the abuser occupies a position of authority and trust. Those assaulted often feel embarrassed, ashamed, and afraid to report their abuser, though the abuse was not their fault. If you or someone you know has suffered from this kind of abuse, you should get in touch with an experienced lawyer.

Defining a Therapist Sexual Assault

Therapist sexual assault occurs when a mental health professional engages in any type of sexual behavior with a patient or client. This behavior is often in violation of professional codes of ethics and considered a form of misconduct. Sexual behavior can range from inappropriate touching to sexual intercourse. The victim may feel powerless and unable to stop the assault.

Understanding the Dynamics of Sexual Assault by a Psychologist

There is an unequal power dynamic between a psychologist and a patient. Patients frequently confide in mental health professionals their most intimate and private thoughts and feelings. On the other hand, a psychologist maintains a position of authority and is expected to give their patients advice and assistance. This power and trust dynamic is then broken when a psychotherapist acts sexually toward a patient. Victims often feel helpless and powerless in these circumstances, which often have a negative psychological impact in the long run.

Frequency of Assaults

According to a recent study, approximately 3% of therapists have engaged in sexual contact with a client. However, it is important to note that sexual assault by therapists is believed to be significantly underreported, and the actual prevalence may be much higher.

Common Signs of Sexual Abuse by a Psychologist toward a Loved One

It can be challenging to identify signs of sexual assault by a psychologist, particularly when observing the signs in a loved one. However, some common signs may include:

• Unusual or inappropriate behavior from the mental health professional during therapy sessions
• The patient becomes overly dependent on the psychologist
• The patient is unwilling to attend therapy sessions or becomes anxious or fearful before appointments
• The patient experiences a change in behavior or personality after starting therapy
• The patient may withdraw from friends or family members
• The patient may experience physical symptoms, such as panic attacks or insomnia

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these signs, it is essential to seek legal counsel and report the behavior to the appropriate authorities.

Signs of an Abusive Therapist

Patients must be able to trust their therapists and feel secure during sessions for healing to occur. However, some therapists can turn violent and betray their patients’ confidence. Here are some indicators of an abusive therapist of which you should be aware:

• A therapist who frequently crosses limits, such as by touching the patient or discussing inappropriate topics with them.
• A therapist who makes the patient feel guilty for not acting on their advice or attempts to control the patient’s behavior.
• A therapist who routinely reschedules or cancels appointments, making the patient feel unimportant or abandoned.
• A therapist minimizes or downplays the patient’s emotions or worries.
• A therapist who encourages patients to engage in sexual activity or who makes suggestive or lewd comments.
• A therapist who shares confidential information about the patient with others without their consent.
• A therapist who deters the patient from reporting the abuse by threatening legal action or other negative outcomes.

Abuse by Way of Transference

Transference is a common phenomenon in therapy where patients transfer their emotions, desires, and expectations onto their therapists. It occurs when patients project onto their therapists unresolved issues from their past or present relationships. While transference is a natural part of therapy, it is the therapist’s responsibility to manage it appropriately and maintain professional boundaries.

Sexualized transference is a psychological phenomenon that can occur in therapy or counseling relationships where a client develops sexual feelings or desires towards their therapist. Transference refers to the process of transferring emotions, desires, and attitudes from one person to another, often unconsciously.

A client who experiences sexualized transference may grow attracted to their therapist, which can obstruct therapy and lead to potentially dangerous circumstances. Sexualized transference can stem from a variety of factors, including unresolved past traumas, unmet emotional needs, or an overidentification with the therapist.

It is crucial for therapists to be aware of the potential for sexualized transference and to take the proper action to address it if it manifests. For example, they should openly discuss it with the client and set up distinct limits. To prevent any potential ethical lapses or injury to the client or therapist, the therapist may occasionally need to send the client to another therapist.

Abuse of transference occurs when a therapist uses their position of power in the therapeutic relationship to purposefully or accidentally encourage a client to have strong sentiments toward them, such as romantic or sexual desire. This may entail participating in sexual interactions with the client or engaging in flirtatious behavior like making innuendos.

Because it can result in considerable injury to the client and compromise the trust and security of the therapeutic relationship, transference abuse is a serious ethical violation in the fields of therapy and counseling. It is the duty of therapists to uphold firm limits and refrain from any actions that might exploit or influence their patients.

Steps to Take if You Suspect Sexual Assault by a Psychologist

If you suspect that you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual assault by a psychologist, there are several steps you can take to seek justice and hold the perpetrator accountable. These steps may include:

1. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: You can better grasp your legal rights and alternatives with the aid of a personal injury lawyer. They can help you file a lawsuit against the psychologist to recover damages stemming from the attack.
2. Report the Behavior: It is crucial to report the behavior to the appropriate authorities. This may include the state licensing board, law enforcement, or other professional organizations.
3. Seek Counseling: Victims of sexual assault often experience long-term psychological harm. It is essential to seek counseling from a trained mental health professional who specializes in trauma and sexual assault.
4. Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with a network of supportive friends and family members who can offer emotional support during this difficult time.
5. Document Everything: Keep detailed notes of all interactions with the psychologist, including dates, times, and any inappropriate behavior or sexual advances.

Legal Consequences for a Therapist Assault

A psychologist can be charged with sexual assault, which carries serious legal repercussions for the offender. In addition to criminal proceedings, the therapist could be sued in civil court for damages stemming from the assault. Compensation for medical expenses, therapy fees, lost wages, and pain and suffering may be due to victims.

Response by the American Psychological Association

The American Psychology Association (APA) is the professional organization for psychotherapists in the United States. In addressing the issue of sexual assault by psychologists and assisting survivors who have been assaulted by their therapists, the APA has been crucial and has taken a central role in this.

The APA has significantly helped survivors of sexual assault by offering tools that mental health practitioners can apply while working with them. The group has written several books, essays, and other materials that offer advice on how to effectively handle PTSD, anxiety, and other psychological side effects of sexual assault. Additionally, the APA has set standards for moral behavior by therapists when providing therapy for sexual assault victims, which aid in helping to ensure that mental health specialists are offering adequate and efficient trauma therapy.

The APA has also taken an active role in preventing sexual assault. The organization has developed guidelines to address sexual violence in various settings. This includes places such as college campuses and the military. The APA has also conducted research on the causes and consequences of sexual assault and has advocated for policies and laws geared toward preventing sexual assaults and abuse while also holding wrongdoers accountable for their actions.

Working with a lawyer who is aware of the psychological effects of sexual assault and who can guarantee that clients obtain fair recompense for their injuries is vital for those who have experienced sexual assault and are looking for legal action. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can guide victims through the legal system and fight to make offenders accountable for their actions.

Contact an Attorney

A sexual assault by a psychotherapist dangerous crime that can harm the victim’s long-term mental health and feeling of wellbeing. If you have experienced this kind of mistreatment, it is critical that you contact a knowledgeable sexual assault attorney. The attorneys at 612-INJURED will investigate your case and keep you informed about what is happening at every step. Call or text us at (612) 465-8733.