Psychologist reprimanded

A FORMER Townsville forensic psychologist has been reprimanded for unprofessional conduct after he kissed a junior administrative officer in 2009.

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A FORMER Townsville forensic psychologist has been reprimanded for unprofessional conduct after he kissed a junior administrative officer in 2009.

Dr Peter Golus worked at the Townsville Hospital until the end of 2012 and was also investigated over an inappropriate relationship with a patient. He is now a principal at a psychological service in Tasmania.

The Psychology Board of Australia took action against Dr Golus in the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) for unsatisfactory professional conduct after the kissing incident.

Tribunal documents said he kissed a junior female administrative officer following a verbal altercation.

The documents said the administrative officer, in response to a query from Dr Golus, swore at him and left the room.

Dr Golus followed the woman, who was sitting at her desk, and put his arm around her shoulder, saying words to the effect of “I am sorry”.

He then kissed her on the cheek, according to tribunal documents. The woman said if she had not moved her head, Dr Golus would have kissed her on the lips.

The woman described the incident as “gross”, saying she felt “violated” and told the tribunal that Dr Golus had a “habit” of touching her on the shoulders, arms and back.

Tribunal documents said the junior worker had told Dr Golus on at least one occasion to not touch her. The parties disagreed on whether the kiss was close to the woman’s mouth, however, the psychology board submitted the kiss showed a failure to maintain professional boundaries.

Dr Golus made some admissions to the tribunal, including that the incident was unwanted, unwelcome and uninvited by the woman.

Queensland Health also investigated the incident, finding the power imbalance between Dr Golus and the woman was of particular concern.

The department found Dr Golus continued to “lack the ability to maintain appropriate boundaries”.

As a result of its investigation, Queensland Health imposed a penalty by way of a pay reduction. Dr Golus appealed the penalty but lost. A reprimand was also recorded on his registration and several conditions were imposed including an order he undergo courses in professional conduct and boundaries.

Originally published as Psychologist reprimanded