Therapy requires that a patient make themselves very vulnerable, opening up to someone whom they have trusted to help them. While many therapists take this responsibility very seriously and would never do anything to hurt their patients, others exploit this vulnerability and trust to groom patients.
If your therapist groomed you for a sexual relationship, trauma-informed our legal team, working with Phoenix therapist abuse lawyers can help you seek justice. Call Jenner Law today for a free, confidential consultation.
How does Therapy Sexual Abuse Happen?
The vulnerability on the part of the patient creates an immediate power imbalance. This can be made worse when a patient demonstrates what is called “transference.” This occurs when a patient projects familial or romantic feelings onto their therapist. This is a totally normal occurrence and therapists receive training to handle this phenomenon. Therapists can use transference to help patients safely work through unresolved issues.
However, some therapists fail to manage transference and instead use it to exploit the patient, encouraging these feelings. Therapists sometimes also experience “countertransference,” which is when the therapist projects their own feelings onto the client and begins to use the fallen boundaries to satisfy his or her own needs, and not the needs of the client.
These phenomena can make abuse more likely to occur. The patient may even believe that they consented to the sexual relationship. However, it’s important to note that the power imbalance discussed earlier makes it impossible for a patient to consent to a sexual relationship with their therapist.
Grooming Is Often a Slow Process
Therapists have certain ethics by which they must abide. Arizona has its own set of ethics, just like every other state. Mental health professionals should create certain boundaries, known as a therapeutic container, to ensure these ethics are always being followed. Examples of boundaries include:
- Sitting a professional distance away from a client
- Not instigating any physical touch, aside from a handshake or a hug
- Not sharing details about their sex life
- Not requesting details about the client’s sex life
- Not making comments about the client’s appearance
- Not contacting the client outside of sessions, aside from scheduling or rescheduling appointments
Therapists may push some of these boundaries to see how far a patient will let them go. They may claim they are doing it under the guise of therapy. This gradual eroding of boundaries can make it very difficult to pinpoint when the abuse begins. The patient may even be unable to tell they are in an abusive relationship.
If your therapist has breached your boundaries in an attempt to abuse you, call our team to discuss your experience.
For a free legal consultation with a therapist sexual abuse lawyer call,
(888) 585-2188
What Can I Recover for My Therapist Sexual Abuse Case?
Our therapy abuse attorneys will examine your case to determine the damages we can help you recover. Every case is unique, but we commonly recover the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages if you needed to take time off work to recover
- Lost earning capacity if you are unable to continue at your current job due to the abuse you suffered
- Miscellaneous expenses related to your abuse and recovery
- Pain and suffering and mental anguish
Justice doesn’t have a specific dollar amount but we fight hardest for this. We want you to feel in control of your life and your mental health and seeking justice can be the best way to do this.
What the Jenner Law Therapist Sexual Abuse Team Will Do for You
You have been through an ordeal with someone you trusted. Our trauma-trained team will do everything in our power to make this process as comfortable as possible for you. We will never make a decision on your behalf without discussing it with you first. We will always give you our opinion, but know that the decision is yours. You can trust us to always act with your best interests in mind.
Our team will:
- Investigate your case
- Identify and valuate all your damages
- Fight for a fair settlement
- Prepare your case for court if case we determine that trial is the best route to get you the compensation and justice you deserve
We will also handle all communication with your therapist and any other involved parties so you never have to deal with them again if you don’t want to. We will ensure you always feel heard and respected.
We Handle Phoenix Therapy Abuse Cases on a Contingency-Fee Basis
You deserve to know that someone is committed to you and your quest for justice. Our team handles cases with no upfront fees and doesn’t get paid unless you recover compensation. This way you can be sure that we have your best interests in mind.
If you don’t recover compensation, neither do we. And if that occurs, you owe us nothing.
Click to contact our Arizona Therapist Sexual Abuse Lawyers today
Resources for Sexual Abuse Survivors in Phoenix
Getting help after surviving sexual abuse is a big step. To make this process a little easier, we have compiled some resources for you:
- The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) Sexual Assault Hotline: You can call or text 800-656-HOPE(4673) or chat with someone online. RAINN also has many resources available.
- A.S.K. Services: EMPACT- Suicide Prevention Center Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services offers free and confidential referrals and services for survivors.
- AZ Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence offers several resources for abuse survivors.
- Sexual abuse survivor support groups in Phoenix
Our team is a legal resource for you. We will answer any questions you may have and give you advice on your next steps. We will stand by you, ensuring you receive justice.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Get Help from Our Phoenix Therapist Sexual Abuse Attorneys Today
If your therapist took advantage of you, you deserve justice. But you don’t need to do it alone. Our team, coupled with attorneys licensed to practice in Arizona, is here for you. We will fight for the compensation you deserve while helping you hold your abusive therapist liable for your injuries. Getting started is the first step. Take it with us today.
Call Jenner Law for a free, confidential consultation.
Call or text (888) 585-2188 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form