Sexual Exploitation of Clients by Therapists

• Published in: Women & therapy 1984-12, Vol.3 (3-4), p.63-69
• Main Authors: Schoener, Gary, Hofstee Milgrom, Jeanette, Gonsiorek, John
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Crime; Sexual harassment; Sexuality
• ISSN: 0270-3149; 1541-0315
• DOI: 10.1300/J015V03N03_09

In 1974, Walk-In Counseling Center (WICC) of Minneapolis began providing counseling, support and advocacy services for clients who alleged sexual involvement with past or current psychotherapists. Since then, WICC has handled over 250 cases in various capacities. In 1976-1977, one of us (J.M.) co-led a group for female victims and in 1980, assisted staff at Family and Children's Services of Minneapolis in developing the first of a series of similar groups (Luepker and Retsch-Bogart, 1980). We have also provided consultation to agencies to prevent the occurrence and/or cope with the aftermath of a staff member's sexual exploitation of clients. After briefly reviewing the literature, we will describe common client responses and suggest clinical and advocacy interventions. As information and data in this area are limited, our descriptions are impressionistic and approximate, and should be viewed as working hypotheses and tentative suggestions, not as facts. As most victims are women, female pronouns are used throughout this paper. For a complete reprint of this article contact Haworth Press by telephone (1-800-HAWORTH) or EMAIL ([e-mail]). Article copyright The Haworth Press, Inc.