If sex enters into the psychotherapy relationship.

This article was originally published by the Committee on Women in Psychology to inform the public about the harmful effects of therapist–patient sexual intimacy. The Committee points out that sexual contact between a therapist and his or her patient is prohibited by the Ethical Principles of Psychologists of the American Psychological Association, as well as by the ethics codes of most other associations representing the professions licensed to conduct psychotherapy. The Committee discusses how to tell whether a therapist's conduct is appropriate and the importance of discussing with the therapist anything that he or she does that leads to discomfort whether or not it is sexual in nature. It also points out the negative effects of ending therapy to have a personal relationship. The Committee presents a range of actions that might be taken if sexual intimacy does occur. Although originally published as a consumer-oriented brochure, the article provides information for psychotherapists, trainers of psychotherapists, and other individuals concerned with therapy ethics. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)