Therapist struck off for sex

By NATASHA HARRIS

An Auckland psychologist has been struck off over a sexual relationship with a female client while he was also counsel-ling her husband.

Psychologists Board chairman Steve Osborne described it as a "ghastly case".

Richard Aukett, a former Waikato University psychology lecturer, pleaded guilty to professional misconduct.

He had continued to counsel the woman after they had sex and to counsel her husband after the couple separated. The man had been visiting Aukett for a number of years.

The case highlighted psychologists' need to be ethical and professional, said Mr Osborne.

"This is a gross power imbalance. It's sad that the public had to be part of this as sex in any health profession is an abuse of power."

Mr Osborne wanted the public to be aware that although Aukett was no longer registered, he can continue working as a psychologist.

"It's interesting that people know to get a registered builder but they don't know to do the same with psychologists ... People really need to be careful when choosing a psychologist."

Preventing such cases was possible, Mr Osborne said, because most psychologists had a colleague to supervise their work.

"Psychologist will run their own supervision every couple of weeks, especially if it's a difficult case ... It's very normal for them to pay for supervision."

Aukett has also been ordered to pay 40 per cent ($13,683) of the hearing costs.

He must write a letter to his clients outlining the board's decision and where they can find treatment elsewhere.

This is the second time in five years that a psychologist has been struck off for having sexual relations with a client.