Out of Bounds

Rezensionen / Stimmen

`Many professionals seem to believe that, if therapists abuse their clients, then they do so elsewhere... Russell's book should do something to redress the balance, not only because the work is British, but because the author shows a willingness to confront the fact that abuse is a significant part of the way in which professional therapy is carried out and therefore an inevitable if unwelcome reality. The book is a summary of four years' work by the author, during which time she interviewed about 40 clients who had been sexually exploited by their therapists... valuable: a short, sensitive, thoughtful and informed discussion of the topic that should make sense to practitioners whatever their persuasion... many of the points that Russell makes would apply to all forms of psychological intervention... [this book is of] immense value to practitioners in general whether experienced or just starting out, whether psychologists or counsellors, for it is clear that sexual exploitation is a potential that lies within all therapeutic relationships and should not be ignored. This very readable and sensible account of the issues deserves to be widely read in professional circles' - British Journal of Psychology



`an excellent introduction to issues which should concern us all... This book has inspired and armed me with the practical strategies to lobby my Health Authority to address this issue by setting up training, reviewing the Complaints Procedure and considering a Clients' Charter' - Clinical Psychology Forum





`The author is to be applauded for venturing into the difficult and murky territory of sexual exploitation of clients by therapists and counsellors... The book is timely and welcome as it puts the issue of client exploitation on the agenda for the profession' - British Journal of Psychotherapy


`The sexual exploitation of clients in counselling and therapy has been recognised for a long time, but it is only recently, following recognition of the prevalence and destructive impact of childhood sexual abuse, that the problem is being addressed seriously... Russell proposes a model of therapeutic work which emphasises the therapist's/trainer's responsibility for clear boundary setting, the negotiation of a clear working contract, empowerment of the client, purposeful supervision of the therapist and clear rules for disengagement... the book is very readable... the author's enquiring and non-punitive stance towards sexual exploitation is admirable. She is concerned to identify and explore the problem without jumping to easy assumptions or misleading prescriptions... If this book is studied seriously by therapists and trainers, it could well challenge exploitative practice and prove to be a useful stimulus for discussion and enhanced standards of professional conduct' - Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health





`The belief that sexual exploitation of adults within a therapeutic relationship does not happen - at least not in this country - remains a myth. In this book Janice Russell successfully destroys that myth... her experience as a counsellor, supervisor and trainer combined with a background in sociology clearly informs her approach to the whole book. It is well structured, includes a useful summary at the end of each chapter and is very readable... She challenges us not only to explore and clarify the whole issue but also wants to orient the reader towards prevention, stressing that even friendliness can be interpreted by a client as feeling special to the counsellor - one of the potential danger signs for both counsellor and client. This book is essential reading for all those working in the helping professions - not just counsellors and therapists' - International Review of Psychiatry





`Russell gives an interesting insight into the client's perspective... her recommendations on the need to raise awareness of exploitation, on thorough supervision and on attention to complaints procedures are to be welcomed' - Journal of Interprofessional Care





`Russell is particularly illuminating on the rationales used by both therapists and clients to justify the sexual relationship, which when read in the context of the client's later feelings of exploitation demonstrate their limitations... offers information and insight into a comparatively neglected area of professional practice' - British Journal of Medical Psychology





`Russell's writing style effectively involves the reader in her work. She convincingly establishes a need for research on this issue and summarizes relevant information... Out of Bounds is an ambitious effort that has several important strengths. I appreciate Russell's efforts to investigate an important issue and to inform others about the sexual exploitation in therapeutic relations. I appreciate her courage in challenging the therapeutic professions in Great Britain to educate themselves and to develop strategies to regulate their professions' - Contemporary Psychology