Reviewing a Disciplinary Case on Suicidality, Erotic

Transference, and Between-Session Communication: How do therapists hold

appropriate boundaries?

Curt and Katie chat about a disciplinary case against Dr. Eric Bergeman,

highlighting key ethical concerns for therapists. They explore documentation

practices, therapist responsibilities, and boundary management, particularly in

cases involving suicidality and erotic transference. The conversation

underscores the importance of clear treatment planning, proper record-keeping,

and ethical decision-making to avoid legal and professional consequences. This

is a continuing education podcourse.

Transcripts

for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!

In this podcast episode we talk about suicidality,

erotic transference, between-session communication, and documentation

Therapists are given conflicting advice on when their duties

to patients begin, how much they are expected to be available to clients

outside of sessions, how they are to approach between-session communications,

and how to document such communications. This episode explores a disciplinary

case where the California Board of Psychology investigated a therapist’s

responses to a client that filed a complaint about the therapist’s treatment.

What therapists need to know about ethical boundaries and disciplinary

actions:

• 
  
• The importance of proper documentation and clear treatment planning.
• How to respond to client suicidality in real-time, including assessment and intervention.
• Managing erotic transference with ethical boundaries and consultation.
• The role of Board of Psychology investigations in evaluating therapist conduct.

Key Takeaways from Dr. Bergeman’s Disciplinary Case:

• The Board of Psychology found gross negligence due to poor documentation, inadequate diagnosis, and lack of clear therapeutic boundaries.
• Dr. Bergeman failed to properly address the client’s suicidality and borderline personality disorder, leading to ethical concerns.
• Consultation with another therapist revealed concerns about Bergeman’s treatment approach and lack of structured intervention.
• The Board initially sought a fine of $103,000, later reducing it to $10,363, citing good intentions but significant professional oversights.

Receive Continuing Education for this Episode of the Modern Therapist’s

Survival Guide

Continuing Education Approvals:

Continuing Education Information including grievance and refund policies.

Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined

#TherapyMovement:

Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined

Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:

Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/

Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/