‘What factors would a therapist take into account when planning treatment for a psychologically abused client??
Introduction:
I feel that dealing with clients who are the survivors or current victims of abuse is the most intricate and sensitive subject I have studied. Emotional and physical abuse of children and adults can take place at any age, in any country or culture and at any level of society. Forms of abuse are hugely varied and can be motivated by many factors including sexual gratification, control, fear or even love.
Psychotherapists have offered a variety of ways to plan treatment for a psychologically abused client, in this essay I will examine the factors that I would take into account in treating such a client. In doing this I will examine the term psychological abuse and the ways in which it occurs in society and with this understanding, plan appropriate treatment. I will also explore the different approaches to therapy; from cognitive behavioural therapy, rational emotive behavioural therapy, person-centred and psychodynamic, that the therapist can choose from their therapist’s tool box. There are also practical considerations for the therapist to consider in the initial consultation that may well have contraindications and ethical dilemmas for the therapeutic process. Dealing with psychological abuse may even bring into question the therapists own competence as well as dealing with the abused clients own resistance to the therapeutic process. It is a multi-faceted complex process when planning the treatment for a psychological abused client.
As abuse can be something that has the potential to affect an individual throughout their lives, I feel it is a subject that demands consideration, safe and ethical practice and a great deal of self awareness on behalf of the therapist in order to avoid actions that could prove counterproductive, invasive or even
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