complaining about a psychologis who advises rape victims...?

Question

to watch friends DVD's to cheer themselves up and changes the subject when she wants to talk about , this was said to her less than a WEEK after the rape, when the vitim wanted to talk about it, the subject was changed back to her childhood and how the attack must have triggered negative childhood schemas - NO JOKE and this is an NHS psychologist, treating a woman with a history of substance misuse, self harm, depression, anorexia, and boderline personality disorder.

how would one complain about this ( amoungst other things that the psych did?)

the psychologist was the only in the area, she asked to be transfered and she was, as the psychologist told her that she was being discharged. the nhs psyc said that the only therapy on offer was schema therapy - this therapy does not deal with abuse - hence the reason why the psych refused to acknowledge. my friend is fearful of telling her new psych as she might get a similar reaction.

ALSO - i have looked this psych up, and this psych did research in 2005 into self perception, it appears to me that this psych may be doing research into schema therapy. this therapy is very new and american and clearly not suitible for a person with serious issues.

Answer 1

This sounds bang out of order and definitely grounds for complaint.

Make sure that you have a clear listing of all the comments that were made by the psychologist and write a letter stating a formal complaint to that psychologist's manager.

This link also gives you the NHS Complaints procedure.
http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/OrganisationPolicy/ComplaintsPolicy/fs/en

Having been a victim of abuse I know how very important it is to have someone who is prepared to let the victim talk at a pace that is right for them as well as offering compassion and understanding and it sounds like your friend has received none of this.

Answer 2

Before you get too excited about the psychologist...you may not be getting the whole story. If this is a professional in rape counseling they may know something that you don't. If there really is some sort of misconduct ask to go with your friend during a session or to meet with the psychologist. If you are certain this isn't the right counselor for your friend. Then have her go to a different one. but don't let her stop going. there are many reasons that counselor is doing what he/she is doing and your friend may have some underlying issues that need to be looked at. If she has a history of all the things you have described, the rape is not the only problem that needs to be addressed. and actually the rape itself could be a symptom of bigger problems in your friends life.
Rape is a terrible thing for anyone to go through. But life the way she is living or has lived in the past is also damaging and dangerous for your friends well being. Be diligent with your friend. But have some trust in the professionals that are treating you. They may know something you don't or that your friend is leaving out.

Answer 3

I only have experience of my own NHS psychologist. If it was me I'd just ask her, "where do I complain about you?". I know mine would just tell me where to complain. But I think mine is the bee's knees. I'm sorry your friend is not having a good experience with hers.

Complaining to the psychologist may be hard, but your friend may get an explanation why they are being guided away from talking about the rape. It does seem a bit odd though. There may be another psychologist who can see her. I'm sure you realise that that may involve being put on another waiting list.

Ask at the surgery reception about complaining.
I'm so sorry that your friend has had such a lousy time.

Answer 4

Really don't know how or where to complain about this. Its quite common. Unfortunately a lot of people who enter the mental health proffesion have weird hang ups which lead them there, so you never know if the person you complain too is just as bad or worse than that which your complaining about. Write to the GMC mabye, and try to get a review of the criteria required to enter the proffesion. If any one out there is thinking of doing something like that i will be 100% behind them. I have only had one experience with a shrink and it was how you described, I will never try it again and I know that means I could be missing out on great help, but why put yourself through it for some weirdos kicks?

Answer 5

I would write to the Chief Executive of the Health Authority of the area in which you live. This psychologist is clearly in the wrong. I have a very similar medical history (BPD, alcohol abuse, severe self harm, severe depression with suicidal ideation and bulimia) and I've been referred to a psychologist to deal with my issues surrounding when I was raped at 14, I just hope that I get a better one than that one sounds. S/He was well out of order!!!!!

Answer 6

That's terrible. I am so sorry that I am not able to help you. I would contact the Hospital Medical Director in writing.Stating how displeased with the way your friend sessions have been going. I would then ask them to confirm that this particular psychologist is actually qualified and registered legally in this country. I would demand written confirmation of this. Your friend needs help in all area's not just dealing with the rape. Watching friends is not going to help her. Good Grief!!! Just as well she has you looking out for her. All the best.

Answer 7

All psychologists are certified, or licensed by the state in which they practise. If you, or she feels that a particular psychologist acted in a wrong or harmful way, you should report it to the state board. Your state probably has a ebsite that will have the address for such complaints. You can also contact a local mental health agency through your telephone directory.

Answer 8

talk to the PALS service in the hospital which should suooort patients to complain re a service they have received
also you could any of the mental health advocacy services that exist these vary from hospital to hospital but if you contact MIND or RETHINK they should be able to signpost you
presumably the psych will be a member of a anational org, or at least signed up to their codes of practise , this route may be more difficult so I would reccomend an advocacy service

Answer 9

I think u would need to contact a rape support group. they would be much better, i feel at giving counselling and also would know how to deal with a grievance if u have one.

try
http://www.angelsurvive.com/forum/helplines.asp

have a look and see if this can help

Answer 10

if the psychologist is part of a governing body complain to them. about your friend she needs proper support. go to the bacp website and there will be someone there to assist you in finding someone suitable in your area.