A British woman who won a landmark lawsuit against a therapist she accused of raping her during a session is calling for stricter regulations within the therapy profession. Ella Janneh was awarded over £200,000 in damages in June after successfully pursuing a civil claim against Michael Lousada. This followed the Crown Prosecution Service’s decision not to bring criminal charges against him.
Janneh’s victory has spurred her to launch a campaign demanding statutory regulation of therapists and counselors. She argues that the current system, which relies on a voluntary register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA), is insufficient to protect vulnerable individuals.
“It’s shameful that it’s left to the public to keep ourselves safe,” Janneh stated. “We need proper regulation to ensure that therapists are properly vetted and held accountable for their actions.”
The UK government has encouraged individuals seeking therapy to choose practitioners who are registered with the PSA. However,Janneh believes this approach is inadequate,as it places the onus on patients to verify the credentials of their therapists.
Janneh’s case has ignited a debate about the need for stronger safeguards within the therapy profession. Her campaign aims to raise awareness of the potential risks and push for legislative changes that would prioritize patient safety and well-being.
A London therapist has been ordered to pay substantial damages to a former client after a judge ruled that his unorthodox treatment methods constituted sexual assault. Michael Lousada,who practiced in Belsize park,was sued by a woman identified only as Ms. Janneh, who waived her right to anonymity.
Ms. janneh sought Lousada’s help in 2016 after experiencing panic attacks during consensual sex, stemming from childhood abuse. During the trial, she testified that Lousada had made disturbing claims about his penis, stating it was “like a laser beam” capable of “burning up trauma.”
The court heard that Lousada’s treatment involved him touching Ms. Janneh’s genitals, which she described as “invasive and humiliating.” Judge Mark Pelling ruled that Lousada’s actions were “clearly sexual” and constituted a breach of trust.
“I find that the defendant’s conduct was sexually motivated and that he took advantage of the claimant’s vulnerability,” Judge Pelling stated. “His actions were a gross violation of the trust placed in him as a therapist.”
While the Crown Prosecution Service had decided not to pursue criminal charges against Lousada, Ms. Janneh pursued a civil case, ultimately securing a important financial settlement. This case highlights the importance of ethical boundaries in therapeutic relationships and the potential for abuse of power by those in positions of trust.
Warning: this article contains details some might find distressing.
A British woman is calling for stricter regulations in the therapy industry after winning a landmark legal battle against a therapist who sexually assaulted her during a session. The woman, identified only as Ms. Janneh,endured an eight-year fight for justice after therapist, Mr. Lousada, subjected her to non-consensual penile penetration during a £750 therapy session.
Ms. Janneh emphasized that she never consented to or requested the use of penile penetration as a “therapeutic technique.” When the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided not to pursue criminal charges against Mr. Lousada,Ms.Janneh took her case to civil court, filing a claim for “trespass to the person.”
“It is shameful that presently the onus is placed on the public to keep ourselves safe,” Ms. Janneh stated. “it’s time we address this issue. And victims’ voices must be at the center of this change.”
Protect the Public
Currently, in the UK, anyone can call themselves a therapist, psychotherapist, or counsellor without standardized qualifications or training. While the government can regulate certain professions, establishing a new regulatory body for therapists would involve a lengthy process, including a three-month public consultation and parliamentary approval.
Ms. Janneh believes it’s time for the therapy and counseling sector to embrace statutory regulation. She recently chaired a meeting to launch a campaign for this change, supported by her solicitors, Leigh Day.
Leigh Day reported that the meeting,which included representatives from UK professional bodies,highlighted the need for a government-regulated register of therapists. Participants agreed to form a coalition to advance this goal.
“Counselling should be a safe space,” said Leigh day solicitor Cat Rubens. “With better regulation, we can ensure that there are measures in place to better protect members of the public from harm.”
A government spokesperson commended ms. Janneh for her “bravery in speaking out,” stating, “Taking advantage of someone who is seeking help while at their most vulnerable is reprehensible and we would urge anyone affected to come forward so those responsible can face justice.Anyone seeking therapy deserves to have confidence and trust in their healthcare professional, which is why we urge the use of qualified practitioners on registers accredited by the PSA.”
A prominent UK psychotherapy association has lost its accreditation after failing to meet crucial safety standards, raising concerns about the protection of vulnerable individuals seeking mental health support. The Professional Standards Authority (PSA) revoked the accreditation of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) following a complete review.
The PSA, an independent body responsible for overseeing health and social care regulators, highlighted the BACP’s shortcomings in safeguarding the public. “To meet the standards for PSA accreditation, an organisation must have a focus on public protection and robust processes for handling complaints against practitioners,” the PSA stated.
This decision comes as a significant blow to the BACP, which represents over 60,000 therapists and counselors across the UK. The loss of accreditation could impact the organization’s credibility and potentially affect the professional standing of its members.
The PSA’s move underscores the importance of robust oversight and accountability within the mental health profession. It serves as a reminder that organizations providing vital support services must prioritize the safety and well-being of their clients above all else.
If you have been affected by sexual abuse or violence, help and support is available via BBC Action Line.
## An Unmarked Map: The Fight for Therapist Accountability
**World-Today-News Exclusive Interview with Ella Janneh**
Ella Janneh, a British woman who bravely fought an eight-year legal battle against a therapist who sexually assaulted her, is calling for a radical shift in the UK’s approach to regulating the therapy profession. Despite winning a landmark civil case and securing over £200,000 in damages, Janneh believes the absence of statutory regulation leaves vulnerable individuals at risk.
**Painful Experience, Powerful Advocacy**
Janneh sought therapy in 2016 to address panic attacks related to childhood trauma. She trusted Michael lousada, her therapist at the time, to help her heal. Instead, Lousada exploited her vulnerability, subjecting her to non-consensual penile penetration during a session. when the Crown Prosecution Service declined to bring criminal charges, Janneh refused to let him evade accountability.
**“Shameful” Lack of Protection**
“It is indeed shameful that it’s left to the public to keep ourselves safe,” Janneh asserts in an exclusive interview with World-Today-News. “We need proper regulation to ensure therapists are properly vetted and held accountable for their actions.”
janneh’s case exposes a glaring gap in the current system. While the professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA) maintains a voluntary register for therapists and counselors, membership isn’t mandatory.
**A Call for Statutory Regulation**
Janneh is not alone in her call for change. Her victory has ignited a nationwide debate about the need for stronger safeguards within the therapy profession. She is now leading a campaign demanding statutory regulation – a measure that would require all therapists to meet specific qualifications, undergo background checks, and adhere to a code of ethics. This would offer patients greater protection and clear consequences for those who abuse their positions of power.
**Navigating a Complex landscape**
Implementing statutory regulation for therapists is a complex undertaking. The UK government faces the challenge of balancing the autonomy of practitioners with the paramount need to protect the public’s wellbeing. the process involves a lengthy public consultation and parliamentary approval, possibly taking years to complete.
**A Collaborative Approach**
Janneh acknowledges the complexity but remains steadfast in her advocacy for change.
“This isn’t about punishing therapists who are genuinely committed to helping others,” she clarifies. “It’s about creating a system that identifies and addresses those who pose a risk to their patients.It’s about ensuring that therapy remains a safe and genuinely therapeutic experience for everyone.”
Janneh is working with legal experts, patient advocates, and members of Parliament to build a consensus for statutory regulation.
The road to reform is uncertain,but Janneh’s courage and determination inspire hope. Her story serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to prioritize patient safety and accountability within the therapy profession.
