ABSTRACT
This chapter defines behaviour on the part of the counsellor which due to its nature is intended to satisfy the counsellor's non-therapeutic intentions. Empirical research into the prevalence of counsellor-client abuse was initiated in the mid-1970s, while the majority of studies were conducted in the 1980s, largely in the form of self-report/subsequent counsellor surveys and case studies. The chapter discusses the issue of post-termination sexual contact. Analysis of other mediating factors such the counsellor's personal counselling, status within the field, and prior training tends to be conflicting. The effects of exploitation have been compared to parent-child incest and some exploited clients have been diagnosed as suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. Akamastu (1988) found that 37.8 per cent of psychotherapists felt that post-termination relationships were unethical, with 16.3 per cent believing a one-year lapse to be appropriate. Supervisors would also benefit from training in the arena of therapist-client exploitation.
