SLEEPING WITH THE PAST - THE ETHICS OF POST-TERMINATION PATIENT-THERAPIST SEXUAL CONTACT

Objective: The aim of the paper is to devise an ethical argument to su pport the contention that post-termination patient-therapist sexual co ntact (PTSC) is always unethical. Method: Arguments both defending and condemning post-termination PTSC are reviewed and their strengths and weaknesses explored. Results: Analysis of these arguments reveals a s trong case for the universal condemnation of post-termination PTSC. Co nclusions: Ethical codes, including that of the Royal Australian and N ew Zealand College of Psychiatrists, should be amended to explicitly p rohibit post-termination PTSC.