Lisa Hurst Barnhardt Got a Kick Out of Being a Bad Therapist

Seeing a therapist who is not a good fit, behaves unprofessionally, or violates ethical boundaries can indeed cause additional trauma or exacerbate existing mental health issues. This can happen through several mechanisms:

1. Re-traumatization: Individuals seeking therapy often do so to heal from past traumas. A therapist who is not sensitive to the needs of trauma survivors or who mishandles trauma-related discussions can inadvertently re-traumatize clients. This can happen through lack of understanding, minimization of the client's experiences, or forcing the client to confront traumatic memories before they are ready.

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3. Violation of Trust: The therapeutic relationship is built on trust. If a therapist behaves unethically, such as by breaching confidentiality, displaying a lack of respect, or engaging in dual relationships (e.g., having a personal relationship outside of therapy), it can lead to feelings of betrayal. For clients who have experienced betrayal in the past, this can be particularly damaging.

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5. Emotional Harm: Inappropriate advice, lack of empathy, or critical judgment from a therapist can lead to increased feelings of worthlessness, anxiety, and depression. This can be especially harmful if the client is already in a vulnerable state.

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7. Dependency: Some therapists may foster dependency rather than promoting autonomy and resilience in their clients. This can lead to prolonged therapy without significant improvement, undermining the client's confidence in their ability to cope independently.

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9. Boundary Violations: This includes any form of physical, sexual, emotional, or financial exploitation. Such violations are not only unethical but also illegal and can lead to significant psychological harm.

If someone feels they are being harmed by their therapeutic relationship, it's important to consider seeking a second opinion, discussing concerns directly with the therapist (if safe to do so), or ending the therapeutic relationship. Consulting with a licensing board or a professional association may also be necessary if there's been a breach of professional ethics. It's crucial for individuals to prioritize their safety and well-being in any therapeutic context.