Related Experiment Videos
How much is too much? Dependency in a psychotherapeutic relationship
P R Abramson1, M Y Cloud, N Keese
1Department of Psychology, UCLA 90024-1563.
American Journal of Psychotherapy
|January 1, 1994
Summary
This case study highlights how prolonged psychotherapy can foster extreme patient dependency and ethical breaches. It underscores the importance of patient rights and professional conduct in mental health treatment.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychotherapy Ethics
Background:
- A patient underwent 18 years of intensive psychoanalysis with two married therapists.
- The treatment involved 8-10 sessions weekly, leading to significant financial costs and prolonged duration.
Observation:
- The patient alleged negligent treatment, claiming the psychotherapy created and fostered undue dependency.
- Cited issues included dual relationships, blurred boundaries, excessive sessions, high fees, and lack of record-keeping or goal-setting.
Findings:
- The case demonstrates the potential for dependency creation and manipulation within long-term psychotherapy.
- It illustrates severe ethical violations, including boundary issues and financial exploitation.
Implications:
- This case emphasizes the need for robust patient rights protections in psychotherapy.
- It raises critical questions about professional conduct, ethical guidelines, and therapeutic boundaries in long-term treatment.
- The settlement suggests a pathway for addressing therapeutic misconduct and advocating for patient welfare.