Psychotherapist condemned: sexual abuse under apparent protection

Psychotherapist condemned: sexual abuse under apparent protection

A sensational case moved the regional minds: a psychotherapist was convicted by the Waiblingen district court for sexual abuse of a patient. The incident took place as part of a three -day seminar that was called "Pay your borders" and should help patients to better cope with their everyday stress. During this event in late autumn 2017, the therapist's tragic attacks, who exploited his position to perform sexual actions, occurred. These incidents occurred both in the hold of his station wagon in a parking lot and in the apartment of a patient. The language creation "You make me ready" impressively describes the emotional effects that had and have the attacks on those affected.

The seminar participation was associated with a fee of 220 euros, which also shakes the trust of 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 Federal Medical Association and the Federal Chamber of Psychotherapists have issued clear rules that strictly prohibit the sexual contact between therapists and patients.

The dimension of abuse

sexual abuse in psychotherapy is a far -reaching problem. According to an estimate, there are between 300 and 600 attacks in Germany annually, with only a fraction of which - around four out of 600 - actually leads to legal procedures ([Ärzteblatt] (https://www.aerzteblatt.de/archiv/sexueller-missus-in-der-psychotherapy-klare-ethische-orentierung-noetig-09db7eb6-6adf-48fa-a2cb-96baa2B5BE06)). Abuse of power, which is often difficult to recognize, is creeping and can significantly injure the integrity of the patient. This can lead to serious psychological consequences, such as guilt feelings, identity disorders or even suicide risk.

Some of the women concerned in the case of the Waiblingen psychotherapist have already used new therapies to process the trauma suffered. Some of these can be compared with the effects of sexual child abuse, which sustainably damage trust in interpersonal relationships. Prof. Dr. Thomas Gutmann, an expert in the field, emphasizes that the dozing possibility of uncovering cases is often hindered by cover -up trends, both by perpetrators and colleagues who often react overwhelmed in the face of abuse.

ethical responsibility of the therapists

The case illustrates the immense responsibility that is on the shoulders of psychotherapists. In analytical and depth psychological therapies, care is particularly important, and ethical responsibility is correspondingly high. It is essential that therapists deliberately reflect on their position of power and set clear limits in order not only to maintain the well -being of their patients, but to actively protect. The professional measures that threaten the failing therapists range from approval withdrawal to the exclusion from the relevant chambers and professional associations.

at a time when the processing of such errors is becoming increasingly important socially, it is important to put the grievances into the focus of the public. By sharing experiences and demanding ethical standards, the trust of patients can be restored and the risk of future attacks can be minimized. The developments in this area remain exciting in any case, and the topic of abuse in psychotherapy will certainly continue to employ us in the future (Wikipedia.