To think it’s a crime to pretend to be a registered doctor?

[Domino34]

Keep this short and sweet, please help me out!
I discovered that the ‘psychotherapist’ that ‘works for the nhs’ I’ve been having therapy sessions on the phone with, was actually not a doctor at all. Payed for by DH. I think I’ve been a victim of coercive control. Yet another tactic to manipulate me and be in a position of power. It sounds crazy, I know! My question is, is it a crime in the same way where if somebody pretended to be a police officer? I feel like my mind has been violated. I haven’t done anything about this. . . What can I do?

Your XH sounds disgusting. I think (like others have said), he got someone/anyone to pretend to be a counsellor, and coerced you into believing this and "having therapy". No proper professional counsellor would act in this way, nor would they suggest that they themselves supervise contact of a parent and child. Also, from what I remember about having counselling, I had to register with them, and have an initial appointment face to face (maybe things have changed). But I was able to check their details to ensure they were qualified etc.

I would report this to the police immediately, and if you have a solicitor or social worker dealing with things, let them know too, along with Women's Aid.

The NHS doesn't "register" people. They are registered with the relevant professional bodies.

This person therefore may well be a DR ie have a PhD. They may also work for the NHS. That does not mean they are registered with the GMC as a medical doctor. If they posed as a medical doctor then yes you can report.
If they said "Dr Foster here and I'm busy today working at Gloucester Hospital" then that may be true regardless of their status as a GMC registered dr

Yes you absolutely need to report it if for no other reason than if he tried to get visitation or custody at a later date. Your OP is a bit confusing, am I right in thinking now this woman has NO qualification re talking to your about your mental health, relationships etc? Or she is actually a psychotherapist but was part of a scam by DH regardless

I don't know about the UK, but where I am it's a crime to misrepresent yourself as a psychologist (same as a medical doctor, lawyer etc.). But the term psychotherapist is a bit more woolly and is not a protected term, AFIAK.

Not illegal here, but OP’s husband sending her to OW for fake “counselling” which is then reported straight back to him would definitely fall under coercive control. OW may be guilty of fraud. OP should definitely speak to the police.

She has no qualifications that is correct, In her picture she looks like a very vulnerable older woman, and she’s very well known in her town for being a drug user. Definitely does not have a phd and is not qualified in any way. I mean who in their right mind would go along with this?!

I wouldn’t discount your baby having a passport. He may have got one without your knowledge.

I'm assuming from your previous posts that you've never actually met this woman which is odd in itself if she was giving you counselling.

I'd make a report to the police OP about her (for deception) and your husband for being part of it and coercive control. There may well be no conviction but it will at least be on record if he applies for child access rights.

Good luck OP.

Check their title then you can find out who regulates them ie HCPC.

They may also be a non-medical doctor because the have a PhD in their field.

Yes this has been mentioned a few times, and has got me thinking that I need to get to get something logged. I think womens aid, citizens advice for some advice in terms of the legalities surrounding baby, I’m hoping womens aid will be able to give me some clarity and help me get everything in order for me to be able to make a police report.

As others have said, a PhD-qualified psychotherapist is perfectly entitled to call themselves Dr. But that isn't really the main issue here. @Domino34, from your messages I can tell you're feeling very scared, confused and upset. Can you reach out to your GP or another healthcare professional that you trust? Regardless of what your ex has or hasn't done, it sounds to me like you need a lot of support right now, and might benefit from seeing your doctor. I am a GP and if one of my patients was as upset as you I'd want you to come in so I could help and perhaps signpost/refer you to services which can help you. Take care

A psychotherapist is not a doctor and does not pretend to be one. A psychiatrist is a doctor.
Why does a therapist need to be a doctor, they are not prescribing medication?
I think you've got the wrong end of the stick there.

They may have acted fraudulently.

Coercive control is a crime. Have you reported your DH to the police?

MEDICAL 'doctors' only use the Dr as a professional courtesy - when they specialise into consultancy they go back to Mr/Mrs/Miss.

You could get a PhD for just about anything non-medical and absolutely refer to yourself as Doctor.

(Same with the occupation of Lawyer - you don't have to be an actual solicitor to call yourself a lawyer, just working in law/legal advice)

At least read the OP's posts. This woman introduced herself to the OP as a doctor.

I think this sums it up well, OP. So sorry this happened to you.
I hope he stays well and truly away from you and that you and your baby have peace.

I read here the other day that you can get maintenance enforced/paid to you even if the other parent has moved abroad, depending on the country. Women’s aid will support you with that too, if this is something you want to pursue at some point.

Oh fuck, he’s probably just taking advantage of another vulnerable person. What a scumbag. Was probably feeding her what to say.
fucking disgusting scumbag

You've got the wrong end of the stick. If you read the OP's posts you'd know the woman is an unemployed drug addict and not a therapist if any kind

If you read the full thread, you will see that isn't actually the point at all. It is a completely random woman that the OPs husband has somehow convinced to pretend to be a therapist to obtain personal information from OP, the Dr or not a Dr issue is irrelevant. She is not a Dr, psychotherapist, counsellor or any kind of therapist from what Op has said

Thank you, I hope for this too. I have reason to believe he is back in this country, although not anywhere near here. I did receive a text telling me if I do not comply with him, he will ‘enforce his rights as a father’. What about our rights to have emotional and physical safety? Whether he means to take me to court or not I’m unsure, but this is what has prompted me to take action rather than be a sitting duck and letting him get away with it. If that makes sense.

@Cockapoopoopoo yep, I did just get that. Sorry. In that case her husband is a bloody weirdo and she needs to fuck him off. What a bizarre thing to do!

I hope you get good advice from women's aid. Have you saved screen shots of all his texts?

Yes, exactly. And everything I said got fed back to him. He was in a position of power.

You need to run this wont get better

Men like this always come with these vague threats to let your mind run and do the work for them of instilling fear in you. I’ve been there.
You are doing the right thing, reporting to the police and seeking advice from Women’s Aid.
The good women of MN will rally behind you.