Counselor Gets Sued

[@katefriend4085]

I feel like this clinician deserves the consequences for her lack of action because of the _way_ she apologized to the client's mother: whether she knew she was being recorded or not, "I had a gut feeling, but I didn't act on it, I'm so sorry," is the _worst_ thing you can say to the parent of a victim! Not only does it open her to being sued/professionally censured, but it is a horrible thing for the victims and victim's family to think about: "I took no action despite having a responsibility to, and despite having an instinct that I should," implies what to the mother? 'Your kid wasn't worth saving'? 'I'm bad at my job, but oh well'? 'You people are always making trouble, how was I supposed to know it was for real this time?' I mean who wants to think about that? The implications of "I had doubts, but I didn't pursue it," is the only thing I can think of that I'd want to hear _less_ in a situation like this than, "I had no idea what so ever." As someone who survived some childhood abuse, I'd much prefer to believe that the adults in my life were totally clueless than to hear that they totally had suspicions, but just figured "...eh, whatever," and did nothing to protect me. It sucks to make a mistake so big it's kind of a crime; but the account of how this therapist talked to the mother -- even though I'm sure she felt just terrible for the child and the mother, and even though she only wanted to comfort the mother and was truly sorry for her mistake -- just seems outrageous to me! I'll admit to not having heard the recording, and that I may not be getting something important here, but based on this story, I'm baffled by the counselor's approach to comforting/apologizing to this mother. I feel like, as you guys have discussed about the effect of apologies in malpractice cases like this, everything hinges on what the counselor said to the client's mother. Perhaps I'm taking that account of the apology a bit personally, but it still shocked me!

[@VickyG212]

I'm not a therapist but I did feel this therapist should have done more. We know abused victims are more likely to become victims again, and this particularly girl seemed to have no adult to trust. I wondered if you might be a bit biased because you're therapists yourselves, or if I might be because I'm not (or both lol)

[@Xxbubbly10]

Exactly

[@Xxbubbly10]

I personally would have immediately gotten a weird vibe she already had abuse history her anxiety and night terrors r getting worse they only have teenage girls spends a lot of alone time with the man and a girl there is voicing that something is going on but is afraid to say anything else and also now it’s like was their allegations in the past actually false cause I’m now thinking they weren’t idk seems weird they wouldn’t say anything to someone at least ask the girl about it

[@dharmafey]

There is NO way this is enough to warrant a mandated report. It's 2 pieces of information that belongs in the back of the clinician's head as they evaluate all of the information that comes over time. And they should never have asked the (victim) client directly investigatory questions-- that's a very specialized skill to do without "leading the witness." They made the mistake of apologizing, and probably should have said to the caseworker during a consult "I have these 2 little data points"

[@yaimerievargas]

Wow what a crazy case! Poor girl and that sucks for the councilor :/

[@sandybeveridge5692]

🎉yay, I’m stepping away from the Christmas chocolate and preparing to sit back and enjoy 😊

[@MegaGreencarebear]

In Ireland, all mandated persons are legally required to report any suspicion of child abuse. Mandated persons are public servants like teachers, doctors, social workers, police etc. I think this works well because as Kirk explains, the risk of not pursuing a slight suspicion when there might be something there is so much worse than the risk of investigating what turns out to be a false accusation. As a teacher, it makes my responsibility very clear.

[@TherapyGirlBonnie]

Yes, IOP programs are great for SI and the majority of the clients that go are needing more intensive care so they don’t have to step up to hospitalization. DBT skills of emotional regulation and distress tolerance are great for treating SI. IOP is not just for eating disorders or dual diagnosis and services are covered by insurance pending an evaluation to qualify for the service. Also a lot of clients in IOP are referred for a psychological evaluation if clarification of diagnosis is needed

[@dandychestnut3493]

Also if I suspected the person who was supposed to and qualified to take action didn’t do it, you better believe I’d be recording every interaction. Sorry dr Kirk it wouldn’t be to target you it would be to stop this happening to my child and get a better person on the case

[@dandychestnut3493]

Why would she discuss anything with the mother… that would be a breech of my trust straight away. Take what the mother says on board and nod your head, then go to your supervisor and express yourself.

[@sophielesher8002]

I just read foster care gets 10% of our entire federal budget? it must be going somewhere else secretly i don’t understand

[@lucylohan8894]

You find it a dick move that she recorded you because she had suspicion that you as the therapist knew about the sexual abuse that you didn't report!!!

[@susannadvortsin]

So democrats don't slash social programs Dr. Honda? Time for political re education. Both parties are doing that.

[@sophielesher8002]

“trumpites” 😒 so much bitterness

[@epileptictrees5213]

Gosh, I wonder why people might be bitter towards Trump and his supporters.