Sport Psychologist had 'internet sex' with client

A SPORTS psychologist who had sex talks with a 17-year-old client on the internet has sparked a stern warning from the profession's watchdog about online counselling.

The unnamed psychologist was suspended from practising for six months after he had "sexualised interactions" with the client over the internet and on the telephone.

The Psychologists Registration Board of Victoria highlighted the case in its annual report, warning psychologists about the dangers of a rapidly advancing media.

According to the report, the girl's mother complained about the psychologist's behaviour, calling it a gross abuse of trust.

Her daughter had a background of emotional instability and had recently tried to commit suicide.

"The psychologist's conduct towards his client perverted the therapist-client relationship, resulting in her being immediately re-hospitalised after his interactions with her," the report says.

"A client is entitled to attend a psychologist secure in the confidence that the professional will not use therapy as an opportunity for sexual gratification or for the making of personal overtures to clients.

"The psychologist was lonely and accustomed to sexual flirting on the internet with people he did not know.

"He simply extended that social behaviour into his professional life."

The board found the psychologist had placed his sexual fantasies and needs ahead of the therapeutic needs of a "very vulnerable client".

"He put her life in jeopardy," the report says.

The board said the case highlighted the risk of electronic interaction with clients if it was not carefully managed.

It warned psychologists that on occasions, electronic communication may offer therapeutic potential, but there were serious risks for loosening of professional boundaries.

More complications included the risk the communications might be misinterpreted as a social interaction, a situation compounded if the communications were not billed to the client.

"Psychologists must be explicit that any form of electronic communication between them and their clients is part of therapy, not anything else," the board said.

As well as the suspension of registration, the psychologist was ordered to have counselling and have a senior psychologist supervise his practice.

Article by By Ellen Whinnett, The Sunday Mail, Queensland