How much is too much? Dependency in a psychotherapeutic relationship.
This paper presents a case that documents an extreme example of "fostered dependency." After 18 years of psychoanalysis, which eventually escalated to 8-10 sessions per week, with two treating (and married) analysts, the patient sought legal redress and compensation for negligent treatment. The lawsuit claimed that continued psychotherapy first created, then unduly fostered, dependency. Other problems cited were dual relationships, confused boundaries, excessive sessions, exorbitant fees, length of treatment, failure to keep records, failure to identify goals, and failure to keep therapy focused upon the patient's well-being. This case, which eventually settled out of court, is instructive in several regards: (1) it provides an example of the extent to which dependency can be created and manipulated; (2) it suggests a strategy by which the profession can facilitate a patient's rights; and (3) it also raises a number of broader issues about the conduct of psychotherapy.
Abramson
P R
PR
Department of Psychology, UCLA 90024-1563.
Cloud
M Y
MY
Keese
N
N
Keese
R
R
D000328:Adult; D003858:Dependency, Psychological; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D016365:Liability, Legal; D008297:Male; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010565:Persuasive Communication; D011575:Psychoanalytic Therapy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence