There are some common warning signs associated with therapist abuse. Cases involving therapist abuse generally grow over time and may begin with compliments. Common warning signs can include:
Therapist Discloses Confidential Information - This is an immediate red flag as therapists are required to keep most information confidential, with the exception of cases that involve duty to warn. If a therapist gives out personal information regarding another patient of theirs, they may also be sharing confidential information about your person to others. If you believe that a therapist is disclosing confidential information, raise your concern with the medical professional and alert the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Lack of Empathy - Empathy is one of the many important components of a mental health professional. A good psychotherapist will empathize with their patients and have the capacity to understand the emotional trauma they are going through. If you feel the psychotherapist lacks empathy, a patient should look for a different therapist that embodies this characteristic.
Excessive Communication by Psychotherapist - Communication between a medical professional and a patient is necessary to coordinate and facilitate therapy. However, if there are excessive amounts of communication that do not pertain to psychotherapy sessions, this can be a warning sign. Communication should be limited to a professional dialogue and any attempt to meet outside of normal business hours can be a cause for concern.
Exhibiting Demeaning Behavior - If a therapist engages in behavior that is demeaning, manipulative, humiliating or degrading a patient should terminate the therapist/patient relationship and find a new therapist.
Inappropriate Touching and/or Sexual Advances - Sitting too close to a patient, touching and making sexual advances are indicative of abuse perpetrated by a therapist. Sexual advances from a therapist towards a patient is grounds for serious penalties including criminal, civil and can lead to a therapist losing their license.