Therapy Ethics Reform

  Below is an excerpt of a letter that Lisa Hurst Barnhardt wrote. She states that her position was consistently that my needs (my school work, family, wish to be treated special" as important. And that she encouraged me to negotiate for more balance in the relationship. This DID NOT happen. Lisa Hurst Barnhardt consistently reprimanded me when she felt that the abuser's needs were not being met. She got upset when she found out that the abuser was paying for my lunch. This was after I told her he charged over $700 on my credit card.  She got happy and smirky when I told her he neglected my birthday. Then she wanted me to understand that some  people just don't recognize birthdays.  She gave me a cold stare when I explained how I was coerced into having sex while I had a bladder infection.  When I tried to talk to her about my hesitancy about him, she would shut me down with a directive to just meet his needs.  There was no safe space for me to process my o...

Lisa Hurst Barnhardt was Intentional  Whether a therapist practicing “with malice” is considered criminal depends on the jurisdiction and the specific conduct: 1. Malpractice vs. Criminal Conduct Malpractice : Most often, when a therapist harms a client (through negligence, incompetence, or unethical behavior), it falls under civil liability —the client may sue for damages. Criminal Conduct : If the therapist’s actions involve intent to harm, coercion, exploitation, or fraud, then it can cross into the criminal realm. 2. Examples of Criminal Acts by Therapists Fraud : Billing for services not provided, falsifying records, or insurance fraud. Intentional psychological harm : If a therapist deliberately inflicts psychological abuse (e.g., threats, coercion, encouraging self-harm), that could potentially be prosecuted under abuse, harassment, or even assault statutes. Breach of confidentiality with malicious intent : For example, leaking private therapy notes to cau...