'Cavalier' therapist struck off

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A "cavalier" arts therapist from Essex who smoked cannabis in front of clients has been struck off.

Derek Gale, 59, of Loughton, who called himself his clients' "daddy", failed to convince the Health Professions Council (HPC) his techniques were acceptable.

A council committee determined his behaviour constituted misconduct.

The therapist was judged to have breached limits of acceptable clinical behaviour and therefore his fitness to practise was "impaired".

HPC panel chairman, Ian Griffiths, said: "The panel has come to the firm view that he has a cavalier attitude towards the needs of clients and the requirement to follow clear guidelines.

"This is demonstrated in numerous instances, including his evidence in cross-examination, that he had never read the HPC's Standards of Conduct Performance and Ethics.

"He failed to heed the warning and advice to exercise caution over socialising with clients.

"Furthermore, the smoking of cannabis in front of his clients was a flagrant example of a cavalier attitude towards professional responsibility."

Proportionate response

During 16 sittings, over a period of three months, the therapist admitted swearing in therapy sessions and describing fantasies about his ex-wife.

He also admitted falling asleep during several sessions between March and October 2000.

Mr Griffiths continued: "The behaviour that has been found to constitute misconduct is various, wide-ranging and happened over a long period of time.

"Striking off is also a necessary and proportionate response to the allegations because of the need to protect particularly vulnerable clients who might consult Mr Gale."

Mr Gale was present and represented himself on all but two occasions at meetings of the committee reviewing his case.