The ingredients in my harmful therapy was just like any other bad relationship--clinicians reinforcing their rank over me by contradicting or ignoring my assertions. There was subtle and not-so-subtle condescension. One group therapy team actively castigated and ridiculed clients, and accelerated their hostility when I wanted to leave.
Just entering therapy can put a competent person in a subordinate role. Dwelling on slights and negatives can encourage narcissism, dependency and victimhood. I also feel clinicians encouraged, or at least failed to contradict, my unrealistic expectations of treatment.
I think professionals should apply less theory and more common sense. What makes a friendship supportive and successful? Though therapy is different, many qualities still transfer. Human nature doesn't change magically at the consulting room door. Most can recognize a destructive relationship without making a university study out of it.
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I just read this post for the first time. I have schizophrenia and depression, diagnosed in 1995. About 2 yrs ago I returned to therapy with a new therapist. The second session, she told me I had DID and explained that meant multiple personality disorder. She said she had "cured" about 4 or 5 other people with DID during her many years of being a therapist. She said she would "reintegrate" my personalities, which shattered during an abusive childhood (of which I had no memory) and once this was done, I could be medication-free. No more Zyprexa, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Trazodone, and Clonazepam. I was excited for about a week then I realized what a crock it was. First of all, she could not have diagnosed me in one session. Secondly, she should not have given me false hope of getting off the meds. Thirdly, I realized that her "treatment" or therapy would last for years, thereby giving her a steady income! I dropped her like a hot potato and went to a CBT therapist who helped me tremendously in 6 sessions.