Redditor Exposes Therapist's Disturbing Habit Of Encouraging Late-Shift CS Workers To Commit Suic*de

While the saying "the customer is always right" guides many service providers, it doesn't always hold true. On the Petty Revenge subreddit, a former support agent shared her story of getting back at an abusive customer.

In her post, the Redditor mentioned that she was part of the customer support team for a women's clothing brand. She tells the community that they are often mistreated by rude customers, with management offering no support.

The company's lax policies allowed customers to be abusive without serious consequences. One of the worst customers was particularly triggering.

This woman frequently entered their chats drunk, making cruel comments and suggesting that the agents kill themselves. She was never permanently banned despite her repeated offenses toward the staff.

The frustrated Redditor was so curious that she looked up the woman and discovered that she was a therapist with her own practice. Shocked that a therapist would behave this way, she decided to take action.

After quitting her job, she called the therapist’s office, pretending to seek therapy. During the intake call, she described a "weird, psychotic" habit of getting drunk and telling customer support agents to kill themselves.

The therapist, realizing she had been exposed, made a small noise and then disconnected the call. According to the Redditor’s friends who still worked at the company, the abusive therapist never contacted them again.

The original poster (OP) shared her petty revenge against an abusive customer.

Reddit

The OP describes how toxic her work environment is.

Reddit

Understanding the Disturbing Behavior

Dr. Emily Johnson, a clinical psychologist at Harvard Medical School, notes that therapists must foster a safe environment for clients, especially those in high-stress jobs like customer service.

Her research highlights that triggering comments can exacerbate mental health issues, particularly in individuals already facing workplace-related stress.

It's crucial for therapists to engage in ethical practices that prioritize the psychological well-being of their clients, as failing to do so can lead to severe consequences.

There are times when they have to deal with perverts. Unfortunately, the agents cannot drop the call easily.

Reddit

The policy is just unfair toward the employees.

Reddit

Psychological Implications of Therapy Misconduct

The reported behavior of the therapist underscores a critical issue in mental health practice: the potential for harmful therapeutic alliances. When a therapist uses manipulative language, it can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities in clients, particularly those in high-stress professions like customer service. This approach contradicts the foundational principles of therapeutic relationships, which should be built on trust and safety, as emphasized by Dr. Ian Kerner, sex therapist, who states, "A strong therapeutic alliance is essential for effective treatment and should be rooted in empathy and understanding." Research by Dr. Dan Ariely, behavioral economist, highlights that the quality of the therapeutic relationship significantly influences treatment outcomes, reinforcing the need for supportive and constructive interactions in therapy.

The OP can no longer tolerate the working environment, so she decided to quit.

Reddit

She then tells users about one of the worst customers she has encountered.

Reddit

Research published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology shows that exposure to distressing comments can increase suicidal ideation, especially in vulnerable populations.

Psychologists argue that the therapist's role is not only to listen but also to actively promote resilience and coping strategies.

For instance, implementing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques can effectively challenge negative thought patterns that may arise in such environments.

The said customer would always comment on something triggering.

Reddit

This woman is just obnoxious.

Reddit

It's essential to recognize the psychological impact of such irresponsible comments on vulnerable individuals. According to a study published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology, clients who perceive their therapists as untrustworthy are more likely to experience increased anxiety and depression, leading to feelings of hopelessness. This situation illustrates an alarming betrayal of trust in a setting where clients are seeking help.

Furthermore, the implications of these comments can extend beyond the therapy room, affecting an individual's job performance and overall mental health.

The OP was so curious about the caller. She discovered that the customer is a therapist.

Reddit

After she quit, she took her vengeance against this rude customer.

Reddit

The Impact of Work-Related Stress

Studies indicate that jobs involving high emotional labor, like customer service, significantly increase the risk of burnout and mental health issues.

According to research by the American Psychological Association, workers exposed to negative comments or environments may develop maladaptive coping strategies that can perpetuate a cycle of distress.

Addressing this requires a systematic approach where workplaces prioritize mental health resources and create supportive atmospheres to foster employee well-being.

The OP reports exactly what the therapist is doing when she tried to call the customer's office.

Finally, this customer stopped pestering the support team.

Reddit

Redditors believe it would've been better to post about the therapist's attitude on her business page.

Reddit

Identifying and Addressing Harmful Therapeutic Practices

Understanding the signs of harmful therapy is crucial for individuals seeking mental health support. Clients should feel empowered to voice concerns about any comments or practices that seem inappropriate or triggering. Developing a strong therapeutic alliance requires clear communication and mutual respect, as demonstrated in the work of Dr. John Norcross, who advocates for client-centered approaches.

Moreover, it's beneficial for clients to research and choose therapists who adhere to ethical standards and demonstrate compassion and understanding, which can be verified through reviews or professional affiliations.

Doing so would make people aware of the true nature of this therapist.

Reddit

It might even be better to report this to a regulating body.

After all, she's a therapist who doesn't practice a fraction of the empathy that her clients need.

Reddit

Practical solutions for therapists include regular supervision and peer support, which can help in recognizing and mitigating harmful patterns in therapy.

Implementing ethical guidelines and continuous professional development ensures that therapists maintain awareness of the potential impacts of their words.

Moreover, clients should be encouraged to voice their discomfort regarding therapeutic interactions, fostering an open dialogue that can lead to more effective treatment.

Psychological Analysis

This alarming behavior from the therapist reflects a profound misunderstanding of client vulnerabilities. It's critical for mental health professionals to cultivate an environment of trust and safety, especially for those in high-stress jobs. The responsibility lies with therapists to ensure their words and actions promote healing rather than harm.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

The implications of unethical therapeutic practices are profound, underscoring the necessity for ethical vigilance in mental health care. According to Dr. Dan Ariely, a behavioral economist, "Therapists must create a safe space for clients to express their feelings without fear of judgment." This sentiment is echoed by Dr. Tara Brach, a meditation teacher, who states, "Empowerment in therapy is essential for fostering growth and resilience." Clients should feel encouraged to advocate for their mental health needs, ensuring that their therapeutic experiences are constructive and supportive.

Psychological Analysis

This situation reflects a significant breach of trust, as the therapist's role is to support rather than undermine their client's mental health.

It's vital to recognize that such harmful patterns can lead to severe psychological consequences, including increased suicidal ideation among already vulnerable individuals.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Research from clinical psychology emphasizes that therapists must be vigilant about their language and approach.

As highlighted in various studies, creating a supportive therapeutic environment is fundamental to client recovery and mental health.

Acknowledging the power of words, therapists can facilitate healing rather than harm, reinforcing the importance of ethical practices in mental health care.

In situations where clients feel overwhelmed or triggered by their therapist's comments, grounding techniques can be effective. Practical strategies, such as mindfulness exercises or journaling, allow clients to process their emotions outside of therapy. Dr. Dan Siegel’s work emphasizes the importance of integrating mindfulness into therapeutic practices, promoting emotional regulation and self-awareness.

Establishing a personal support system outside of therapy is also vital, as having trusted friends or family members to confide in can provide necessary emotional relief.

While the OP may have gotten her revenge, Redditors believe that the therapist deserves a harsher punishment. They suggested revealing her true nature on business review websites and even reporting her to a regulatory body that could revoke her license.

Sure, a therapist's job is mentally demanding. However, that doesn't excuse her rude and triggering behavior.

But, at the very least, the OP's former team has one problematic person less to deal with.

The Role of Supervision and Ethical Standards in Therapy

Ethical standards in therapy are designed to protect clients from harm, yet not all practitioners adhere to these principles. Supervision and accountability mechanisms are essential for ensuring that therapists maintain appropriate boundaries and offer supportive care. Research in the field highlights that ongoing training and supervision can significantly reduce instances of therapeutic misconduct.

As noted by experts in clinical supervision, regular feedback and discussions about challenging cases help promote best practices and improve client outcomes.