Health News

HCPC Admits Limits in Investigating Harassment Claims Against Registered Therapist

By James Murray-Hodcroft | The Hodlines | Date 18^th May 2025

After a two-year investigation into a series of complaints against a Merseyside-based psychotherapist, The Hodlines has obtained a written admission from the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) stating it is “limited by the investigative means available to it.”

The admission comes after more than twenty individuals have accused the same therapist of using fake social media accounts to publish private information, including home addresses, workplaces, and sensitive data, in what they describe as calculated attempts to intimidate and distress.

One alleged victim, who asked to be identified only as Susan, said:

“Ignoring him doesn’t work. He fixated on me after I posted a positive review of a self-help programme he clearly didn’t like. He accused me of being paid to promote it. After going quiet for nearly two years, he suddenly started again as if no time had passed. It’s creepy.”

Another, known as Andrea, added:

“He’s obsessed with me. I submitted extensive evidence to the HCPC. Their communication was poor, and they said he didn’t meet the threshold for risk. Now they admit they don’t even have the tools to investigate? That’s deeply concerning, especially when our HCPC membership fees have just gone up.”

In an exclusive interview with The Hodlines, a third woman, Leona, described how the same individual has “dominated her life for four years,” not only via social media, but through a stream of vexatious complaints to her employer.

“It’s a clear message,” Leona said. “If he can’t harass me online, he’ll do it through my work and family.”

As pressure mounts, questions remain about how a regulatory body tasked with protecting patients can admit to lacking the power to investigate misconduct claims.

The HCPC have been approached for comment on this matter, but have not yet responded.