Celebrity Psychologist Loses License After Affair with Client

Wondering how a trusted psychologist could get involved in such a scandal?

Feeling shocked about professionals crossing ethical lines?

Celebrity psychologist Dr Ali Sahebi, known for his viral videos and TED talks, has lost his license.

Why?

He was found guilty of having a sexual relationship with a client.

Let’s dive into the details.

Dr Ali Sahebi’s Misconduct Revealed

Dr Sahebi, based in Sydney, was found guilty of “unsatisfactory professional conduct” and “professional misconduct” by the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Here’s what went down:

• April and May 2021: Dr Sahebi engaged in a sexual relationship with a therapeutic patient.
• Client’s Complaint: The relationship came to light after the client reported it to the Health Care Complaints Commission in August 2021.
• Group Therapy Sessions: Dr Sahebi invited the client to group sessions at his home, leading to socialising and drinking.

The Relationship Breakdown

The client sought therapy from Dr Sahebi for her mother’s death and financial issues.

During these sessions:

• They started a relationship.
• Dr Sahebi claimed his marriage was broken.
• The client felt deceived when Dr Sahebi left for Iran.

Text Messages and Voice Messages

Messages submitted to the tribunal revealed:

• Dr Sahebi offered massages and expressed his affection.
• He sent messages saying, “You made me crazy, I am enchanted by you” and “I will lick you all over, I want you.”

Dr Sahebi’s Defence

Dr Sahebi denied any sexual relationship, stating:

• The messages were mistranslated from Persian.
• The phrase “lick you all over” was a metaphor, not literal.
• He suffers from erectile dysfunction and claimed he couldn’t have had sexual intercourse.

Tribunal’s Verdict

The tribunal found Dr Sahebi’s testimony unreliable and noted his lack of remorse.

• He was labeled “persistently untruthful.”
• His registration was cancelled.
• He’s prohibited from providing any health service and must pay the HCCC’s costs.

What’s Next?

Dr Sahebi’s case serves as a cautionary tale about maintaining professional boundaries and ethics.

We’ll keep you updated on any further developments in this case.

Stay tuned for more news on professional conduct and ethical standards.

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Learn more:

• TED talks: TED Talks
• Health Care Complaints Commission: HCCC
• NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal: NCAT
• erectile dysfunction: NHS Erectile Dysfunction
• professional conduct: APA Professional Conduct