What constitutes sexual misconduct in the field of psychology?

Sexual misconduct in the field of psychology is primarily defined as inappropriate behavior that violates professional ethics. This encompasses a range of behaviors that exploit the trust and vulnerability of clients, including any sexual advances or relationships that occur within the context of a therapeutic relationship. Professional ethical guidelines explicitly prohibit sexual relationships between psychologists and their clients or supervisees, as such interactions compromise the integrity of the therapeutic process and can lead to significant harm for the client.

In contrast, providing therapy without proper licensing, while a serious ethical violation, pertains more to legal and credentialing issues rather than sexual misconduct specifically. Offering services without consent raises ethical concerns but does not necessarily relate to sexual conduct. Making unwarranted financial demands may constitute unethical behavior but is not classified as sexual misconduct either. Therefore, the definition of sexual misconduct focuses explicitly on transgressions involving sexual behavior that breaches ethical standards within the psychological profession.