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| Abusive father (illustration) |
A tribunal in Canada, has found that a psychologist engaged in sexually abusive practices while treating a teen, following the abuse he suffered at the hands of his father.
Steven Schachter of Montreal, could face sanctions after spanking his patient’s bare behind on several occasions during therapy sessions.
The patient told the tribunal that Schachter pulled down his pants to his ankles while shouting at him to feel the shame while spanking his nude behind.
This happened during the course of 10 sessions of therapy. Schachter was suspended at the beginning of the hearings. Schachter listed himself as a mental health consultant and therapist.
The patient who initiated the complaint, sought help from Schachter to help treat anxiety, panic attacks and self-esteem issues.
He was 19 years old at that time, and he told Schachter that his father had physically abused him throughout his childhood.
Schachter suggested a new therapeutic approach to address the persistent abuse of his childhood. Although he had initially refused to be beaten by Schachter, the patient finally agreed to undergo the treatment.
During these sessions, the patient was placed on his hands and knees as Schachter slapped him. At one session, the patient came in with a piece of wood his father used to beat him.
After 10 sessions, the teen asked a doctor if it was normal for a psychologist to flog his patient. The doctor helped him file a complaint, and the teen also filed a police report against Schachter.
The patient changed psychologists and is still in therapy.
