Queensland Psychologist Trevor P. Hatten Suspended over Sexually Explicit Exchanges with Patient

September 5, 2023

A Queensland psychologist has been slapped with a six-month ban from the profession over a series of sexually explicit conversations with a vulnerable female client who had sought his help after a relationship breakdown.  

Trevor Peter Hatten contacted the woman several times in January 2021, urging her to masturbate, suggesting a lubricant, asking how she liked to be pleasured, offering to connect her with a dominatrix, and encouraging her to watch pornography. The woman initially believed Hatten's messages and calls were part of her therapy but became uncomfortable as the exchanges became increasingly explicit.

The Health Ombudsman took action against Hatten after receiving a complaint In a decision handed down in April but not published until this week, the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal found Hatten's behavior amounted to professional misconduct, formally reprimanded him and ordered he be disqualified from applying for registration as a health practitioner for six months. The tribunal said Hatten had been a member of the profession for more than 40 years and had indicated he had no intention to work in the field again.

Source: “Psych hit with ban over porn,” Courier Mail, Sept. 5, 2023