‘It was devastating’: what happens when therapy makes things worse?

Therapists are meant to help people change their lives, but those who behave badly may end up doing more harm than good

Courtney thought it was strange when her therapist asked her to follow him on Instagram. She had begun seeing Michael - a psychoanalyst who has written books and appeared on television - to treat her fear of flying in 2018 (both of their names, and those of all the patients in this article have been changed). After a few sessions, he suggested the pair connect on Instagram, where he posted everything from mindfulness tips to topless gym selfies. As she didn't use the app much, Courtney shrugged off her concerns and continued therapy, discussing her childhood abuse, depression, anxiety and sex life. Then, around five months after she had begun seeing him, Michael asked if she had been offended by a message he had sent.

What message? Courtney hadn't seen one, so Michael demanded that she check her Instagram inbox then and there. All this sex talk has got me gagging for it," his message began, I can't wait to get home and sort myself out."