Health · Mental Health · 2 days ago
Tribunal extends suspension of psychologist over relationship with former patient
A psychologist began an intimate relationship with a former patient after treating her.
They exchanged about 9,000 text messages, a tribunal heard.
The tribunal extended his suspension by six months.
The case matters because patients rely on psychologists to respect professional boundaries.
The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal extended psychologist Benjamin French’s suspension by six months over what it described as unsatisfactory professional conduct.
The tribunal heard French began treating the woman, then 24, in 2017 and had 52 sessions with her before treatment ended in December 2020.
About three months after treatment ended, French added the woman on Facebook, and they later exchanged about 9,000 text messages and met for dinners and walks.
The tribunal heard French kissed the woman after inviting her to his home in May 2021 and sent messages expressing a desire to take her upstairs.
After contact resumed in 2023, French agreed to coach her about seeking an ADHD diagnosis and prepared a report that the tribunal heard was backdated.
The woman told a new psychologist about the relationship in October 2023, and that psychologist complained to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
- Who
- Psychologist Benjamin French and his former female patient
- What
- French’s suspension was extended for six months over unsatisfactory professional conduct related to a sexual relationship with a former patient.
- When
- The tribunal extended the suspension in October 2026; the relationship began after treatment ended in December 2020.
- Where
- Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia
- Why
- The tribunal found the conduct unsatisfactory in connection with a sexual relationship that began within months of treatment ending.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
I haven't had that urge even when op [sic] arose with someone when I'm in a relationship as messy and f***ed up as it is
And yes I wanted to kiss you and make out with you to [sic]... didn't feel like just a one night stand vibe though. It felt really nice and we connect so well.
The power dynamic of the relationship worries me. You were my client. So just had a wave of paranoia today.
Who is there to tell? Usually I’d tell you haha.
French met the woman, then 24, while working as a principal psychologist at Port Psychology in Port Macquarie.
French held 52 treatment sessions with the woman.
French invited the woman to his home for dinner and kissed her goodbye; he later texted her about wanting to take her upstairs.
The pair ceased contact, and the woman later told her new psychologist about the relationship.
French was stood down in February 2025, and the tribunal extended his suspension by six months in October 2026.
- Psychologist
- Benjamin French, 46
- Patient's age when they met
- 24
- Treatment sessions
- 52, from February 2017 to December 2020
- Text messages
- About 9,000
- Suspension extension
- Six months
- Practice location
- Port Psychology, Port Macquarie, New South Wales
Sources
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