Psychotherapist convicted: Sexual abuse under apparent protection

Psychotherapist convicted: Sexual abuse under apparent protection

A sensational case has stirred regional minds: a psychotherapist was convicted by the Waiblingen district court of sexually abusing a patient. The incident took place as part of a three-day seminar called “Respect Your Boundaries,” which was intended to help patients better manage their everyday stresses. During this event in late autumn 2017, there were tragic attacks by the therapist, who took advantage of his position of power to carry out sexual acts. These incidents occurred both in the back of his station wagon in a parking lot and in a patient's apartment. The coined phrase “They're killing me” impressively describes the emotional impact that the attacks had and are having on those affected.

Participation in the seminar involved a fee of 220 euros, which further undermined the confidence of the women who had come in the hope of support. As reported by the Stuttgarter Nachrichten, this case represents a clear violation of the ethical principles of psychotherapy. The German Medical Association and the Federal Psychotherapist Association have issued clear rules that strictly prohibit sexual contact between therapists and patients.

The dimension of abuse

Sexual abuse in psychotherapy is a far-reaching problem. According to one estimate, there are between 300 and 600 attacks every year in Germany, with only a fraction - around four out of 600 - actually leading to legal proceedings (Ärzteblatt). Abuse of power, which is often difficult to detect, occurs gradually and can significantly damage the integrity of patients. This can lead to serious psychological consequences, such as feelings of guilt, identity disorders or even the risk of suicide.

Some of the women affected in the case of the Waiblingen psychotherapist have already used new therapies to deal with the trauma they suffered. These can partly be compared to the effects of child sexual abuse, which permanently damages trust in interpersonal relationships. Prof. Dr. Thomas Gutmann, an expert in the field, highlights that the dozens of opportunities to uncover cases are often hampered by cover-up trends, both by perpetrators and colleagues, who often react overwhelmed in the face of abuse.

Ethical responsibility of therapists

The case highlights the immense responsibility that rests on the shoulders of psychotherapists. In analytical and depth psychological therapies, particular attention is paid to transferences, and the ethical responsibility is correspondingly high. It is essential that therapists consciously reflect on their position of power and set clear boundaries in order not only to preserve the well-being of their patients, but also to actively protect them. The professional measures that failing therapists face range from withdrawal of their license to practice to exclusion from the relevant chambers and professional associations.

At a time when dealing with such mistakes is becoming increasingly important to society, it is important to bring the grievances into the public eye. Sharing experiences and demanding ethical standards can restore patient trust and minimize the risk of future abuse. The developments in this area remain exciting in any case, and the topic of abuse in psychotherapy will certainly continue to concern us extensively in the future (Wikipedia).