Therapist Kristin Brighty married a client; state revoked her license

August 11, 2012

On February 3, 2012, the Wisconsin Marriage & Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board revoked the license of professional counseling-in-training Kristin R. Brighty.

According to the Board’s document, Brighty, who was employed as a psychotherapist at a Milwaukee halfway house, engaged in a sexual relationship with a client.

In October 2010 she married the client. Brighty did this knowing that it was against both her employer’s rules and the rules of the profession. She warned her new husband that he could not disclose the relationship as it could endanger her job.

During their relationship, Brighty falsified the client’s Certificate of Completion from the halfway house. She also failed to report a number of the client’s probation violations.

Ultimately, the client reported the marriage to Brighty’s employer.

Source: Final Decision and Order in the Matter of the Disciplinary Proceedings Against Kristin R. Brighty, Order #0001343, Case No. #11 CPC 030, Wisconsin Marriage & Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board.