Psychology In Seattle Podcast

Clients Harmed By Therapy

Feb 4, 2026

Jennifer Kramer

Jennifer Kramer, artist and filmmaker and survivor of therapy harm, shares her lived recovery journey. Amy Nordhues, author of Prayed Upon and advocate, describes escaping therapist abuse and supporting others. They discuss shame, grooming and assault, emotional exploitation, institutional failures, and why they are making a docuseries to raise awareness.

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ANECDOTE

Grooming By A Psychiatrist-Religious Leader

Amy Nordhues described being groomed by a psychiatrist who was also a church elder starting in 2013.
She reported him to the board, filed a civil suit, and later wrote Prayed Upon.

ANECDOTE

Slow Grooming Followed By Assaults

Amy recounts slow grooming: invading space, offering a blanket, dancing, shoulder/foot rubs, then sexual assault.
She sought help from church leaders who sided with the abuser before she eventually escaped.

INSIGHT

Comfort And Harm Can Coexist

Abusive therapists often provide genuine comfort early on, which complicates victims' ability to recognize harm.
Acknowledging that the relationship felt real helps survivors understand mixed feelings and reduces self-blame.

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