Dutch psychologist barred from practice after sexual relationship with client

A Dutch psychologist has been banned from practicing after a disciplinary court found she engaged in a personal and sexual relationship with a client over six years, violated professional boundaries, and tampered with the client’s medical records.

According to De Telegraaf, the relationship began after a hug at the end of a therapy session. The psychologist sent the client an email that same day, asking about his perception of the hug. According to the disciplinary court, “an immediate personal and sexual relationship” followed.

The court ruled that the psychologist exhibited sexually inappropriate behavior and abused her professional position both during and outside the therapy.

She also destroyed the client’s medical file, replacing it with a manipulated version, and ended the treatment to continue sexual contact.

Investigators found evidence that the psychologist offered the client to take ecstasy together and regularly ensured alcohol was present during their meetings, despite knowing the client had alcohol-related problems.

The disciplinary court also reviewed WhatsApp messages showing the psychologist discussed another client’s emotional state, therapy, and alcohol use with her client, violating professional confidentiality. The relationship ended in February 2023, prompting the client to file a formal complaint.