It is not the norm or ethical practice for therapists to deliberately shame their clients or prevent them from holding their abusers accountable. In fact, it goes against the principles of ethical therapy and professional conduct. Therapists are trained to create a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment for their clients to explore their feelings, experiences, and concerns.
The role of a therapist is to facilitate healing, growth, and self-awareness in their clients. This involves empowering clients to express their emotions, including anger, sadness, or frustration, in a healthy and constructive manner. Therapists may encourage clients to take responsibility for their emotions and actions, but they should never invalidate or shame them for their feelings or experiences.
Furthermore, therapists are mandated reporters, which means that if a client discloses abuse or harm to themselves or others, the therapist is obligated to report it to the appropriate authorities to ensure the client's safety and well-being.
If you have experienced or felt shamed or invalidated by a therapist, it is crucial to recognize that this behavior is not acceptable or typical of ethical therapy. If you encounter such a situation, consider seeking support from a different therapist or reporting the behavior to the therapist's licensing board or governing body. Remember that therapy should be a positive and empowering experience that promotes healing and growth.