Censures determined by the Complaints Committee to warrant publication
Censure - Lack of Judgment and Conduct Unbecoming
In 2023, the Complaints Committee of the Psychological Association of Manitoba ("PAM") censured a Member for lack of judgment in the practice of psychology and conduct unbecoming a member with respect to the service provided to a client.
While the Member was providing online therapy services, a client was able to see in a reflected surface that the Member had sexually suggestive images on a portion of the Member's other computer screen. When the client saw the images and advised that the client wished to end the session, the Member's initial responses to address the client's concerns were made in haste and did not adequately express remorse or reflect the extent of the misconduct and the impact of the situation on the client.
The Complaints Committee found this conduct:
- Failed to protect or act in accordance with the client's welfare, in breach of section 5.1 of PAM's Code of Conduct (the "Code");
- Failed to take steps to avoid harm to the client, in breach of section 5.26 of the Code;
- Would be regarded by registrants as unbecoming, disgraceful, dishonourable, and unprofessional, in breach of section 7.7 of the Code; and
- Displayed a lack of judgment in the practice of psychology.
Since the events occurred, the Member has taken responsibility for the harm caused and taken measures to reduce the likelihood that future clients are harmed.
Censure - hang up during phone therapy session
On June 29, 2023, the Complaints Committee of the Psychological Association of Manitoba ("PAM") censured a member for professional error in the service provided to a client. The member hung up the phone during a phone therapy session with the client, thereby unilaterally and abruptly terminating the session. This conduct compromised the client's welfare and left him feeling abandoned.
The Complaints Committee found this to be a contravention of section 5.1 of PAM's Code of Conduct.