Center For Counseling & Psychotherapy

I would not recommend Mr. Dolliver as a therapist for anyone who is truly hurting.



I signed up for sessions with Mr. Dolliver because I was dealing PTSD due to IPSV (Intimate Partner Sexual Violence) that had taken place in the past by my husband.



The first couple of sessions seemed to go alright. He was able to confirm the IPSV but I quickly realized that though he could diagnose sexual abuse in a relationship, his actual attitude about it was quite chauvinistic, victim blaming and minimizing. In actuality, he did not seem to think that sexual violence against a woman in a marriage was any real big deal at all.



Mr. Dolliver told my husband that though he's been a perpetrator of IPSV to me, he is basically, "A good guy." He told me that though I had been victimized in the relationship, my husband had been victimized too...by Satan.



Our last session was one of the worst experiences I have ever had with a counsellor. Mr. Dolliver seemed defensive from the start and interrupted me repeatedly. He told me in a condescending tone that I had been abused because I had a need to please and was therefore, easy to manipulate. (Untrue victim blame.)



When I explained that in order for my relationship with my husband to be restored I expect my husband to listen and validate. Mr. Dolliver shook his head no, and said, "Guys aren't like that." He quoted bible verses at me. He said that men are wicked and that it is the role of women to implement goodness into men and teach them how to love.



Such comments imply that men are not really capable of human compassion and therefore not responsible for their behavior, but instead women are responsible for men's behavior. (Victim blame.)



He said that my faith should be like one of those little old ladies who patiently waits and prays for their wayward husbands for years and years until one day he changes. I feel that to Mr. Dolliver all the pain and trauma a woman faces due to marital abuse is really just beside the point.



Because of this session I experienced one of the worst PTSD triggering I've ever had. A few days later I very clearly and respectfully tried to communicate to Mr. Dolliver how his comments and attitudes had affected me. He never made any attempt to show concern for his victim blame nor for triggering PTSD.



I don't know if there's a board that reviews these therapists but I certainly believe that Mr. Dolliver needs to be held to a higher standard.



If you are someone who is hurting because of a current or former abusive partner. Please know that you matter! This web sight has some of the best information and support I've ever found. www.aphroditewounded.org