If you have been exploited by a therapist/counselor (or know someone who has been exploited) which of these warning signs did you see?
*These are just warning signs.* Not inferring the occasional gift or all social engagement invitations are unethical, etc.

In evaluating the counseling experience, before there are any blatant inappropriate suggestions, there may be some clues to lack of professionalism or misuse of power such as:

-the counselor avoiding or refusing to give information about credentials, licensing or experience;

-the client having a feeling that something is wrong during therapy, despite attempts to clarify or discuss this with the counselor;

-the client having the feeling that therapy is giving in personally to the counselor, rather than engaging in a learning process; and

-the counselor suggesting any mutual activity that is uncomfortable.

Behavior which may feel sexual:

-telling dirty jokes;

-undressing during therapy;

-ogling (eyeing up and down); or

-discussing the therapist’s sex life.

Giving Client “special” status by:

-scheduling after hours appointments or changing fees (when different from normal office procedure);

-making out-of-the-office appointments (when not normal office procedure);

-using the client as a confidant or for personal support;

-giving or accepting major gifts;

-inviting client to social engagements;

-borrowing money or getting involved in business deals with client;

-making secrecy a part of the counseling relationship; or

-using or offering alcohol or drugs during counseling.

-other

*credit to 'It's Never Ok' *
https://www.leg.state.mn.us/docs/2007/other/070240.pdf