Abusing a worthy profession

Fri June 7, 2013

Editor: First let me say that I do not have a Masters’ degree in counselling or psychology, but from the little knowledge I have, I know that Sigmund Freud, Alfred Adler, and other founders of this noble profession must be turning in their graves.{{more}}

When Sigmund Freud developed psychotherapy, he did it with the aim of helping his clients/patients work though whatever difficulties they were unable to combat on their own.

I have heard it said many times, that confidentiality is the main hallmark of a good counsellor. Additionally, good counsellors know when to terminate the relationship between the client and themselves.

That relationship, which is called the therapeutic relationship, has set boundaries and guidelines.

As the person in charge of this therapeutic relationship, the counsellor knows that he or she should not cross these boundaries nor allow the client/patient to do so.

But today in St Vincent and the Grenadines, this worthy profession is being derailed and polluted by persons who should know better.

The word confidentiality seems to have taken on a new meaning, as information revealed to a counsellor, spreads almost as quickly as wildfire.

There are cases where the counsellor uses the art of psychoanalysis to probe into the depths of a client’s life.

Information obtained during such sessions is then used to blackmail the client.

In terms of the therapeutic relationship, it is taken to all leaps and bounds, beyond its stipulated borders. Marriages that were on the rocks have been pushed over the cliff by partners seeking the wrong counsel. Individuals and children are also being adversely affected. It is so ironic, that so much damage can be done to persons who think they are receiving therapeutic healing.

People need to take note of the warning in Nahum 1:11, which speaks about “a wicked counselor.”

Ex client