The recent articles on the Kerr/Haslam Inquiry (Psychiatric Bulletin, June 2006, 30, 204–206, 207–209) raise important issues. The experience of sexual feelings during psychotherapy and the potentially abusive nature of dual relationships are described in the literature (Reference Pope, Sonne and HolroydPope et al, 1993; Reference SymeSyme, 2003). Breach of boundaries by doctors and therapists working in the field of human sexuality is relatively rare, with 98.7% of 814 UK clinicians responding to a survey having rarely or never been tempted to have sexual relations with a client (with no difference between physicians and non-physicians and no clear gender bias) (Reference Wylie and OakleyWylie & Oakley, 2005).
Sexual and relationship psychotherapists, as members of the British Association for Sexual and Relationship Therapy, adhere to a clear code of ethics and practice, which should be openly disclosed and available to all patients under the clinicians’ care. Integrative care involving physical and psychological therapies requires clear protocols and patient guidance, including overt statements with regard to chaperone policy (Reference CarrCarr, 2003).
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