Sleeping with the Past: The Ethics of Post-Termination Patient-Therapist Sexual Contact

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the paper is to devise an ethical argument to support the contention that post-termination patient-therapist sexual contact (PTSC) is always unethical. METHOD: Arguments both defending and condemning post-termination PTSC are reviewed and their strengths and weaknesses explored. RESULTS: Analysis of these arguments reveals a strong case for the universal condemnation of post-termination PTSC. CONCLUSIONS: Ethical codes, including that of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, should be amended to explicitly prohibit post-termination PTSC.