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Information for Victims and Victim Advocates on Sexual Exploitation by
Counselors and Therapists
Warning Signs
 I learned that certain behaviors pleased my
therapist (hugs, questions about his life) and I wanted to make him happy, so I kept quiet
about subjects he didn't want to hear about.
In evaluating the counseling experiences, before there are any blatant
inappropriate suggestions, there may be some clues to lack of professionalism or misuse of
power such as:
the counselor avoiding or refusing to give information about
credentials, licensing or experience;
the client having a feeling that something is wrong during therapy,
despite attempts to clarify or discuss this with the counselor;
the client having the feeling that therapy is giving in personally to
the counselor, rather than engaging in a learning process; and
the counselor suggesting any mutual activity that is uncomfortable.
In many cases, sexual contact is preceded by actions which may be
inappropriate or unprofessional, such as:
If you are concerned about what you are experiencing in counseling, trust
yourself. Ask questions of the counselor. If you ever feel
intimidated or threatened by your counselor, this may be a warning sign. If your
questions or concerns are not answered, talk to the counselor's supervisor, a trusted
friend or a crisis line.
It was hard to
question his behavior (hugging, kissing, petting) when he always preceded it by saying
what a good person I was, so loving and caring. I wanted to hear these words, and
refusing that touch and those compliments would not be 'loving and caring.'
Copyright © 1988 Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault,
with edits by AdvocateWeb.
[ Intro ] [ Introduction ] [ Definitions of Sexual Exploitation ] [ Warning Signs ] [ If it is You ] [ Questions You May Be Asking ] [ Counselors Who Exploit ] [ Consider the Options ] [ You Don't Have to Do This Alone ] [ For Concerned Persons ] [ Choosing a Counselor ] [ Client's Bill of Rights ]
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Exploitation
