Victimized by "victims": A taxonomy of antecedents of false complaints against psychotherapists

Widespread sympathy for patients who have been victims of abuse perpetrated by predatory psychologists may obscure the possibility that some purported victims fabricate or distort their claims. Civil courts or licensing board s might be used by purported victims to further a variety of personal agend as that involve false claims against psychologists. Anecdotal reports of 6 antecedents of such claims are presented. It is hoped that this discussion will increase awareness by peers and by those involved with relevant litiga tion that false, but credible, claims of negligence, predation, and malprac tice not only are possible but may serve a number of emotional and practica l needs on the part of the accuser. Psychologists and those who adjudicate such claims are urged to be wary that the purported victim may be himself o r herself the predator.