Social/romantic relationships with present and former clients: State licensing board actions.

Abstract

In this study we expanded, updated, and refined a previous survey of state association ethics committees and state boards regarding the disposition of cases involving allegations of sexual impropriety. Findings revealed a dramatic increase in the number of complaints filed against psychologists for sexual impropriety. Also, all psychologists who acknowledged sexual contact with clients were found to be in violation, regardless of the amount of time that may have elapsed after termination. Last, we found evidence of complaints of sexual impropriety in nontherapeutic professional relationships, as well as violations of nonsexual dual relations. The implications of the findings are discussed, and recommendations for practitioners and the profession are made.In recent years attention has been drawn to the issue of psychologist-client sexual involvement (Pope & Bouhoutsos, 1986). The deleterious effects of such involvement on both clients and psychologists are well documented (Holroyd & Brodsky, 1977; Sell, Gottlieb, & Schoenfeld, 1986; Pope & Bouhoutsos, 1986). The actions of state licensing boards (SBs) and state psychological association ethics committees (ECs) have also been recently researched. Sell et al. (1986) reported that a considerable number of complaints regarding sexual MICHAEL C. GOTTLIEB, PhD, practices independently in Dallas, specializing in families with exceptional children. A graduate of Texas Tech University, he is a Diplomate in Marital and Family Therapy of the American Board of Family Psychology and is a member of the adjunct faculty at Texas Woman's University. His research interests include ethics and distressed professionals. He is the 1988 President of the Texas Psychological Association. JOHN M. SELL, PhD, is the director of the Counseling and Testing Center and an adjunct professor of psychology at Southern Methodist University. He specializes in the management and delivery of psychological services on a university campus and is active in graduate training. He received his doctorate from the University of Missouri and is a Diplomate in Counseling of the American Board of Professional Psychology. He is also a member of the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists.

Sexual Contact Between Psychologists and Patients

“…Unfortunately, there are some hurdles to overcome to file a complaint against a therapist. Due to the increase in complaints being lodged, delays in processing have risen (Gottlieb et al, 1988). In 1982, 17.6% of cases were left pending, and by 1985 this number rose to 56.1%.…”

“…Of the 198 cases alleging sexual impropriety handled by state association ethics committees and state psychology boards between 1982 and 1985, no psychologist was exonerated by virtue of the sexual contact occurring only after a reasonable time had elapsed since termination (Gottlieb et al, 1988). In one instance, a four-year wait between therapy ending and the sexual relationship beginning was still insufficient (Gottlieb et al, 1988). The psychologist involved was found to be guilty of an ethics violation.…”

“…Gottlieb, Sell, and Schoenfeld (1988) found that the rate of sexual misconduct complaints to state licensing boards and state ethics committees rose by 482.4% between 1982-1985. Statistics from the California Board of Psychology (1998) show that there were 12 decisions made regarding sexual misconduct violations out of a total 600 complaints in 1996-1997, and 9 out of 521 in 1997-1998.…”

“…A complaint by a former patient or third party may result in a financial loss, suspension, revocation of license, censure or expulsion from a professional association (Gabbard & Pope, 1989). Of the 198 cases alleging sexual impropriety handled by state association ethics committees and state psychology boards between 1982 and 1985, no psychologist was exonerated by virtue of the sexual contact occurring only after a reasonable time had elapsed since termination (Gottlieb et al, 1988). In one instance, a four-year wait between therapy ending and the sexual relationship beginning was still insufficient (Gottlieb et al, 1988).…”

Too hot to handle: reflections on professional boundaries in practice

“…Harms and serious consequences (such as legal action and adverse psychological effects) to professionals, clients and organizations are well documented and occur when boundaries are violated (Galletley, 2004;Gallop, 1998;Gottleib, Sell, & Schoenfeld, 1998;Love, 1997;Peternelj-Taylor, 2003;Reamer, 2001). Rhetoric concerning practice improvements and commitment to optimal client outcomes is espoused by professionals, organizations and educators alike.…”