2007-01-02 14:30:06 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
Although it isn't technically an addiction, people can overuse and become dependent upon counseling. However, a competent psychotherapist will not allow this situation to continue. Once the therapist understands that it is occurring, it should appropriately become the focus of treatment. By establishing clear and understandable boundaries, and by enforcing those boundaries, the therapist is less likely to have the client/patient remain dependent on the therapist.
It would seem though that the dependent individual would most likely discontinue treatment with that therapist and engage in therapy with another therapist. By requesting a complete history of previous treatment, appropriate releases of information to contact previous therapists, and speaking with previous treating clinicians, a therapist can ensure that he/she does not continue the cycle of dependence upon therapy, although there are always somewhat less-than-honest therapists who will continue to treat someone so long as that person is willing to pay the fee.
I once had a potential patient who was seeing another therapist for a different problem 5 times weekly, simply because the patient was dependent and willing and able to pay her rather high fee. I refused to engage in treatment because I felt that the situation was unethical.
Such situations usually occur with people with Axis II Personality Disorders such as Dependent PD, Narcissistic PD, and Borderline PD.
2007-01-02 15:02:25 · answer #1 · answered by Megumi D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely. There are two kinds of addiction. We can be physically addicted to something and/or psychologically addicted to something. Psychological addition occurs when you associate pleasure with doing something. Many people seek counseling for years just to continue the relationship with a therapist. It doesn't even have to be the same therapist. It makes sense that someone would come to depend on attending sessions where they have been made to feel secure and safe in discussing their feelings and problems. If a therapist is any good, they have built an environment of safety and openness. Who wouldn't want to continue that?
2007-01-02 22:36:40 · answer #2 · answered by chrissy25 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Someone can't really be "addicted" to counseling - but they can be overly dependent on it. A good therapist tries to make sure this doesn't happen by not being overly available to the patient outside of scheduled sessions.
2007-01-02 22:35:14 · answer #3 · answered by jdphd 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People can become addicted to all kinds of things.
Any time the subconscious mind feels that it cannot function without ______. You're addicted.
I used to be addicted to my hatred, bigotry, and anger. Yes I am talking about emotional addiction.
2007-01-02 22:40:44 · answer #4 · answered by Rev. Two Bears 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they could....most likely someone who loves to talk about themselves, and can't get anyone to listen. A Counselor is PAID to listen, and I would imagine there are some folks who get addicted to their "fix" of having someone listen to them talk incessantly. It is a sad scenario, but I bet there are plenty of them out there.
2007-01-02 22:41:48 · answer #5 · answered by Rebecca C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that's funny! i've never even considered such a thought! i guess you could put them in a rubber room and counsel them less and less...wean them off that drug! you're pretty funny. awesome question!
2007-01-02 22:34:03 · answer #6 · answered by jess l 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋