The Commission of Psychologists reiterates its sanction against Kaat Bollen, a psychologist, Flemish sexologist because of photos considered "sexy", diffused on its social networks. These clichés would harm the profession.
A psychologist, sexologist made in Flanders, Kaat Bollen has been sanctioned by the Commission of psychologists. The specialist would undermine the profession by posting "sexy" photographs of her on her social networks. He is also accused of selling sex toys on a dedicated e-shop and promoting a porn film and a burlesque show. A case that is not new. "A year and a half ago I performed a burlesque show, in my spare time, in my private life", Kaat Bollen told VRT. I put on a corset, I posted a photo on my Instagram account and it was used by a fellow psychologist to put together a file and lodge a complaint with the Commission of Psychologists. (…) He felt that with my behavior, I had put the title of psychologist in jeopardy, that I had tarnished the image of it and that I had damaged the confidence people have in this position ", she added. On the side of the disciplinary council, relayed by 7sur7, “A personal Instagram profile falls into the public space. When we adopt certain attitudes, they are immediately linked to the professional context. This is also the reason why behavior in private life can constitute a violation of the code of ethics ”.
A decision that does not pass
The shrink was sentenced at first instance and on appeal, as the RTBF recalls, in an article of January 12, 2021. On the part concerning sextoys, Kaat Bollen ensures not to challenge this decision. "Although I still find it special. I can immediately quote you psychologists who write books. Isn't that a commercial activity? Is it allowed? What's the difference with sex toys? I even think that a toy can be better than a book”, Can we read on 7sur7. Today, she no longer has the professional title of psychologist and she only presents herself as a sexologist. "This weekend I got a lot of praise on social media, including from women who are going through the same thing. I can't give up on them," said Kaat Bollen still on the media Vlaamse Radio- en Televisieomroeporganisatie. A hashtag #IStandWithKaat has even gone viral on Twitter. With the help of "The Institute for the Equality of Women and Men", she did not say her last word: "I'm not doing this for myself, I'm doing this for the next generation." For Bart Somers, Flemish Vice-President in charge of Equal Opportunities is "unbelievable that in 2021 people are being sentenced for the clothes they wear in their spare time. As Minister for Equal Opportunities, I will discuss with this committee, because I find that this goes against freedom ".