A psychologist in a couple with two ex-patients

Photo archive special collaboration of Nelson Sergerie
The psychologist Gaspé Pascal Soucy could be struck off the roll for six years, after having pleaded guilty to romantic relationships with two ex-patients.

Héloïse Archambault

Sunday, December 10, 2017 01:00

UPDATE
Sunday, December 10, 2017 01:00

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A psychologist from the Gaspé peninsula has admitted to having a romantic relationship with a woman to whom he had suggested to separate from her husband because of marital problems.

Pascal Soucy pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual misconduct with the disciplinary Council of the Ordre des psychologues du Québec (OPQ), last November.

“The goof “

He has notably recognised to have developed a relationship as a couple in 2012 and 2015, with two patients that he had followed in therapy (their identity is protected).

It is the ex-spouse of a patient who has filed a complaint to the Order, in 2016. The latter had discovered that his ex-wife had a love affair with Mr. Soucy, a few weeks after the end of their couple therapy.

“The psychologist recommended them to succeed in their separation, rather than to repair their relationship,” summary Me Pascale Vigneau, attorney for the trustee of the OPQ.

When he was contacted by the College on this subject last year, Mr. Soucy has “admitted having made the blunder,” testified the trustee Robert Vachon.

Moreover, the psychologist also admitted to the investigator to have had a romantic relationship of a few years, starting in 2012, with another ex-patient. According to the trustee, this relationship has been ” stormy “.

“She was rather hesitant to talk to me, said Mr. Vachon, about the patient in question. The situation was very difficult for her. “

Psychologist injured

Besides, the woman had even filed a complaint with the police against Mr. Soucy for a history of violence, but no charges have finally been brought. According to the lawyer, the psychologist, the latter “has been the most injured” in this story.

“He has suffered the consequences difficult,” pleaded Me Sonia Cyr.

In his office, Mr. Soucy has admitted to having had sex with one of the two patients, and to have “probably embraced strong,” the other woman, according to the trustee.

In addition, Mr. Soucy has also pleaded guilty to having about sexual displaced from a patient who had a history of sexual assault.

According to the trustee, he would have told them explicitly the first time he had made love in a basement, including that he “rolled the ball” of his partner.

“The client really doesn’t like it” and has ceased to see from that time, told Me Vigneau.

“Colorful language “

According to the trustee, Mr. Soucy has ” acknowledged to have had a colorful language “, but did not want to hurt the client. The psychologist did not want to testify in his defence.

According to his lawyer, Mr. Soucy did not take advantage of his professional relationship ” to get favors in his office. “

The two parties have recommended a suspension of six years and a fine of $ 5,000. The trustee has requested that the money be paid to one of the two patients to compensate for sessions of therapies.

If the penalty is accepted, Mr. Soucy will return before the disciplinary Board before resuming the practice.