Ipse, having been through this whole process I would recommend that you first find out what the statute of limitations are for reporting (most state boards have a 1-800 number where you can find out that information). This will give you some time to think through what it is you feel you need to do. Secondly, if you haven't done so already send a request (by certified letter - this gives her about 2 weeks) for your therapy records to be sent to your next therapist and put as the reason "for treatment." This will decrease the liklihood that the records will be altered should you decide to take action against her in the future. Don't have them sent to yourself because she can claim it would be harmful for you to read then and can refuse to send them. She cannot, however, refuse to send them to your next treatment provider. Third, do NOT continue to contact her (after the records request has been sent). As hard as it is, don't do it. It will be viewed as harassment. Fourth, do not give any indication to her that you are thinking of filing a complaint.

I will say from experience that the process of filing a complaint can be very painful. My therapist is the one who filed the complaint against my psychiatrist. Most cases are thrown out during the investigation stage due to lack of evidence. It can take a long time, years even. You have to decide what it is you can handle. In my case it did make it through all the different levels before the date where he had to appear before the state (it rarely makes it that far). I chickened out at that point and did not testify. I still felt very protective of him even though he practically destroyed my life. I even commented that I was afraid they were going to be too mean to him. Which makes absolutely sense to me now, but that's how I felt then.

I want you to know that it is very normal for you to feel protective when criticisms are made about your therapist's practice. I felt the same way. I think it's because we've spent so much time idealizing our therapists that when that view is shattered, it leads to a lot of confusion. You need to know that all of the feelings you have - fear, loss, anger, grief are very normal. Hang in there. You can get through this. You WILL get through this.