London Psychologist Tatiana Zdyb Loses Licence Over Sexual and Professional Misconduct

A disciplinary panel has revoked the licence of London, Ontario psychologist Tatiana Zdyb after she admitted to multiple counts of serious professional misconduct, including a sexual relationship with a client, improper use of psychedelic substances in therapy, and misrepresenting her qualifications.

Zdyb, who operated the clinic MindSetting and later Bridge the Gap, became known for offering psychedelic-enhanced therapy using ketamine and psilocybin (magic mushrooms). Her practices have now been deemed unethical and outside her scope of expertise by Ontario’s College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts.

Sexual Relationship with Client Led to Mandatory Revocation

The most serious violation involved a sexual relationship with a client she treated from 2017 until 2022. Even though therapy ended the same month the relationship began, regulations prohibit any sexual involvement for at least a year after treatment ends. This constitutes sexual abuse under Ontario health regulation, and resulted in the mandatory revocation of Zdyb’s certificate of registration.

The panel also reprimanded Zdyb and ruled that she cannot apply for reinstatement for at least five years.

Improper Use of Psychedelics and Lack of Informed Consent

In a separate case, Zdyb administered ketamine to a client referred to as “Client A” for depression, and later suggested using psilocybin when the client’s condition didn’t improve. The college found that Zdyb failed to obtain proper informed consent, practiced beyond her expertise, and could not determine whether the treatment was appropriate.

Additionally, Zdyb formed a personal and emotional friendship with Client A, offering gifts, free sessions, and expressing affection—further compromising the therapeutic relationship and making it difficult for the client to disengage from treatment.

Misrepresentation of Credentials

Zdyb also admitted to misrepresenting her title, falsely claiming to hold a doctorate when she did not. Despite previously agreeing to stop promoting herself as a doctor and cease psychedelic therapy, she violated those conditions, prompting further disciplinary action.

Final Decision from the Panel

At the conclusion of the hearing, panel chair Dr. Ian Nicholson condemned Zdyb’s actions as a serious breach of public trust.

“These findings are not minor breaches but go to the core of your responsibilities as a regulated professional,” said Nicholson. “Your actions represented a fundamental and egregious betrayal of that trust.”

Her lawyer, Grant Ferguson, stated that Zdyb accepted responsibility and acknowledged that her professional career with the College has come to an end.

Do you think current regulations around psychedelic therapy are strong enough to protect patients? Share your thoughts in the comments.

More…

• https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/london-psychologist-loses-licence-for-sexual-and-professional-misconduct-1.7597708
• https://www.ctvnews.ca/london/article/london-psychologist-loses-licence-to-practice-after-three-incidents-of-misconduct
• https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/london-psychologist-who-gave-patients-ketamine-faces-disciplinary-hearing-1.7594197