Chapter 42:

Client's Initiation of Sexual Behavior


"in the event that the client initiates sexual behavior, clarify the purpose of the therapeutic session, and, if such conduct does not cease, terminate or refuse the session."

--NCBTMB Standards of Practice VI (b)


Making sexual suggestions may be the first step in initiating could be considered sexual behavior. If a client were to make sexual suggestions, simply changing the subject might be enough of an indication to get them to stop. However, this Standard requires the more direct approach, that of clarifying the purpose of the therapy. If the client persists, terminating the session or refusing the session would become a necessity. A good remedy for dealing with a potential problem is to simply open the door. It is doubtful the misbehaving client wants an audience.


The therapist must exercise extreme care if a client initiates sexual behavior not to speak ambiguously. This is not the time for dissembling or flirting. Distasteful as the subject is, it is common practice for police departments to send in undercover officers to test therapists and to see if they behave within the law. This is further reason why clients acting this way should be treated with decorum which is well and far away from anything questionable.


A hug or "peck on the cheek" between therapist and client is not unknown in the industry. Although the therapist and client may not have a social relationship outside of the therapeutic setting, a bond is formed over time. This is not technically prohibited under this Standard when the contact is non-sexual. However, the more medical settings would discourage this casualness.


Henry David Thoreau advocated simplicity in his masterpiece, Walden. A lady offered him a door mat but he thought he didn't have time to shake it out. "It is best to avoid the beginnings of evil," he wrote. The same could be said of becoming demonstrative.


In a case where the therapist is on the receiving end of an unconsented kiss or other contact, it may be sexual assault which is a crime. Whether or not the therapist intends to contact the police, one attorney suggests writing everything about the incident down as soon as possible in case the therapist decides to act later. Good judgment and common sense is all that is required in making such a decision.


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