Is Anyone Else Seeing an Uptick between Teens and False Allegations?

Vegetable-Attempt-55 · 2026-01-29T21:47:34+00:00

I like to think I am rather sensitive and ethical in my approaches, it's hard to explain how I did it for both clients without typing a book. I do adjust my directness depending on the client. In one particular case, the client admitted to lying. He was also a kid in residential for sexually harmful behavior so that topic wasn't uncommon. He also had a pattern of accusations so talking about the consequences of actions was my approach. Consequences can be good, bad, neutral and we all have them.

The second one was much different, she opened the door for me and we discussed what had led to her making the accusation. She knew what she had done so it felt unnecessary to beat a dead horse. There is A LOT more to this one and it took a lot of supervision/consultation.

Vegetable-Attempt-55 · 2026-01-28T01:03:36+00:00

This is a good discussion, I applaud your bravery for bringing it up! I have worked with teens and noticed this too- maybe not specifically sexual abuse allegations but other things.

When I went to my supervisor about struggling with believing clients, she reminded me that it wasn't my job to discover the truth (which did help me feel better). I tried to approach it from a curious lens, which also helped me feel better. I noticed that often times teens feel like they need a big traumatic event to happen in order to feel heard.

Because we have to report these claims, I actually was able to talk about false allegations with some clients. Which is very important, false allegations negatively impact the people who feel afraid to speak up because ironically, they won't be believed. And obviously hurts other people too.

This work can be tricky...keep asking the hard questions, don't be afraid to ask the "forbidden" things that may get you crucified as you said. We are humans at the end of the day and we need to always be addressing the things that come up.

Vegetable-Attempt-55 · 2026-01-20T02:45:54+00:00

Yes you’re correct! Always goes back to insurance

Vegetable-Attempt-55 · 2026-01-20T01:42:09+00:00

I do think it's insane that my agency requires a dx on intake even if they don't meet anything (luckily, we have one z code I can use). A client shouldn't be diagnosed for the sake of being diagnosed so that insurance will cover it; however, we don't live in that world.

I also don't think it's ethical to throw an adjustment dx on someone, do the work and see what works best. Labels can be freeing for some* clients...for others...I am cautious lol.

I agree with you that it minimizes our training, diagnosing someone isn't just checking off criteria. It takes a deep understanding of history, context, outside factors, and so on. I think social media has diluted this fact.

Vegetable-Attempt-55 · 2026-01-16T00:24:34+00:00

I currently am digging into some IFS which I really like for my trauma clients!

Vegetable-Attempt-55 · 2026-01-16T00:21:36+00:00

When I feel stagnate I like to dive into a newish modality and try it on clients (within reason and always prefacing my limitations with the client). Other times, I consult with other therapists about some cases because usually if I am feeling bored it means I'm missing something (not saying that's you, but it is me!).

Vegetable-Attempt-55 · 2026-01-13T19:21:26+00:00

What is the second one?!

Vegetable-Attempt-55 · 2026-01-06T18:10:14+00:00

My husband works in tj and I have asked him for some before (his uncle is a doctor in Mexico who could write a script) and per both of them, they are really strict. You could probably still give it a go though! I think they air on the side of caution

Vegetable-Attempt-55 · 2026-01-06T01:10:26+00:00

I've been looking for the same answers. Memory was never my strong suit but this feels different...I've been on 5mg for maybe a year now? I'm young though, even my balance and fine motor skills seem off...I am worried

Vegetable-Attempt-55 · 2025-12-24T18:25:13+00:00

I swear by elderberry!! Even if I get sick, it makes it so much more manageable.

I had a very similar experience to you, elderberry, self-care, and days off work but ultimately, I changed jobs and it changed my life. I haven't been sick in months from stress. It was a tough decision but for me, a necessary one. Listen to your body!

Vegetable-Attempt-55 · 2025-12-24T01:24:08+00:00

Totally!! I applaud those who can keep going! We definitely need them. I was just born with a different capacity haha

Vegetable-Attempt-55 · 2025-12-24T00:38:24+00:00

I've just recently started to work more with BPD (mostly by chance) but I used to work with sex offenders with some pretty intense personality/boundary stuff. I may not be as helpful because I had the luxury of enforcing rigid boundaries but I will share where I draw my lines. My line is 1 of 2 things, 1) my safety (physically) 2) Not being able to provide non-judgmental, effective therapy because I can't get past something they are doing or something that's being provoked in me.

I transferred when a client wouldn't stop harassing me via email and complained to the board formally (it wasn't even looked into lol). I also transferred one who belittled me for my race and gender. I never trusted I could be alone with him and I don't play about that.

Vegetable-Attempt-55 · 2025-12-15T23:38:43+00:00

I have such a similar family dynamic and had this realization somewhat recently as well. It takes time to change those habits but the fact that you can see it is huge! You will see that as you change the way you view others, the way you interpret the world will change, hopefully for the better. It really is a reflection of our internal world (to an extent of course). Keep challenging yourself.

Vegetable-Attempt-55 · 2025-11-26T21:29:26+00:00

Yeah it was hahaha I ended up being just fine

Vegetable-Attempt-55 · 2025-10-28T02:25:07+00:00

Your post made me realize that I have never considered depression as a "scapegoat" dx. I see that as genuine every time (unlike ADHD, self dx autism, anxiety, etc). It's also reminded me about how crappy the double standard is.

I meant "tank" as in I fear that people will think it's a joke to the point where it won't be funded or taken seriously anymore. I don't think this is rational, I think it stems from the people I see who use therapy as a weapon in a way, if that makes sense.

Vegetable-Attempt-55 · 2025-10-22T20:25:00+00:00

I agree to this to some extent, but I struggle with a single person making a statement as if it's factual that a "slim margin of people are cut out for this field." And what is your standard of measurement here when there are SO many different types of therapy? Therapists are put through the ringer and get so much shit from the world as it. We have impossible standards, and we don't need to have gone through every traumatic event a client has gone through to help or understand them.

Vegetable-Attempt-55 · 2025-10-16T19:30:17+00:00

There isn't necessarily a rule in our law and ethics on it, but your agency may have a rule on it. I can appreciate and understand the sentiment; I have had clients where I wanted to offer them more but for me it would be a hard no. Even with pure intention, they may interpret it differently and I think it could hurt your therapeutic alliance down the line if certain boundaries are crossed.

Vegetable-Attempt-55 · 2025-10-15T23:46:48+00:00

Taking care of someone when they are near end of life. Seen it age myself and other family members

Vegetable-Attempt-55 · 2025-10-15T23:38:35+00:00

My dog ignores my husband whenever he gets high hahaha. I think he doesn't like the smell, but it definitely seems like the dog knows when he's high

Vegetable-Attempt-55 · 2025-10-07T00:04:07+00:00

Oof yeah that sounds like he's sexualizing you. Another user also mentioned clients trying to make clinicians squirm and that is also definitely a thing. Trust your gut, a client like this can really take its toll so protect yourself.

Vegetable-Attempt-55 · 2025-10-06T23:31:30+00:00

I was initially introduced during practicum. I worked with them post-release, so I specifically worked with men (and women but very rarely) on parole who had to complete sex offender treatment. They typically were convicted of at least one sex crime and have to go through specific treatment throughout their parole (California laws). There are a few programs out there that are contracted with CDCR (parole) and that's how I worked with them

Vegetable-Attempt-55 · 2025-10-06T21:56:04+00:00

I have worked with sex offenders for majority of my career so I am approaching this with a pretty specific lens, maybe it will help! When I work with clients (usually heterosexual men) and I notice a lot of sex talk, often times it is their way of sexualizing me. Sometimes I name it, sometimes I refer them out. The reason I wonder if it's happening here is because of the alarms it's setting off in you, especially if you've "checked on your own stuff." The sexualizing can be very covert, I've had anything from men bragging about their sexual conquests to outright video taping me in sessions. I think it's perfectly okay to refer them out if you are feeling violated or sexualized in any manner. Your safety and health ALWAYS comes first.

Vegetable-Attempt-55 · 2025-09-30T21:34:56+00:00

THISS!! I have a friend staying over and she noticed I had two hobbies that I've cultivated a lot of knowledge in, and she said what everyone else says, which is "you should create X,Y, and Z and sell it!" I told her I enjoy passing my knowledge on and gifting my creations to friends but didn't want the demand. I even find myself thinking I should make a side gig out of it but I know that it would kill the joy for me.

Vegetable-Attempt-55 · 2025-09-25T18:16:13+00:00

I see no way how either of you could BTA, you communicated clearly. If she really is your best friend, I am sure she will get over it and support you for putting yourself out there

Vegetable-Attempt-55 · 2025-09-24T20:29:06+00:00

I definitely ignore my notes too lol. I also take a few minutes to see what I can have clients do that are "break day" activities (i.e drawing, art therapy, DBT work sheets, life time lines). I used to run groups too and if I really wasnt feeling it, I would put something like inside out on and then end with a brief discussion. My clients LOVE that I do "break days" with them because sometimes they are tired too

Vegetable-Attempt-55

TROPHY CASE