SEX WITH THERAPY CLIENTS - ITS PREVALENCE, POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES, AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PSYCHOLOGY TRAINING

Sexual contact between psychotherapists and clients has received growi ng public and professional attention in the past 15 years. Although su ch contact is explicitly prohibited by the national psychological asso ciations in Canada and the United States, some psychologists become se xually involved with their clients. A review of the literature suggest s the potential consequences for clients can be serious and wide-rangi ng, including anxiety, depression, and other symptoms resembling post- traumatic stress disorder. Offending psychologists face a variety of p rofessional and legal penalties if they are identified and prosecuted. The recent decision by the Supreme Court of Canada on Norberg vs Wynr ib and the amended Ontario Regulated Health Professions Act of 1991 ar e discussed in terms of their possible impact on the legal status of t herapist-client sex. Suggestions for psychology training programs on h ow to prepare students to appropriately handle sexual attraction to cl ients and deal with related ethical issues are summarized.