A PERTH psychologist says forcing a patient to wear a dog collar and call him master is well within his profession’s ethical guidelines.

Bruce Alistair Beaton, 64, of Fremantle, was giving evidence at his Western Australia District Court trial for indecently assaulting the 22-year-old woman between January and March 2005.

He has pleaded not guilty to four counts of indecent assault and one of aggravated sexual penetration.

Mr Beaton was arrested when police burst into his office in March 2005, after hearing whipping sounds while they secretly video recorded one of his treatment sessions with the now 24-year-old woman.

Mr Beaton told the court he had resorted to drastic treatment with his vulnerable, bulimic patient because gentle methods were not working because she was involved in violent relationships. (more…)

Thanks, Tess.