A complaint against a Wollongong Catholic priest and child psychologist’s involvement in exorcisms will be reviewed by the nation’s health watchdog after concerns the Psychology Council of NSW’s response to the matter was inadequate.
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The Psychology Council undertook a “counselling interview’’ with Dr Gerard Stoyles in May after a complaint was made in relation to an interview he gave advocating the use of exorcism on October 4, 2015.
Dr Stoyles told radio host John Safran that he provided “consultancy’’ in the field of exorcisms; helping to assess people believed to be ‘possessed’ and on occasion referring them to an exorcist.
He spoke about referring a woman to an exorcist and about consulting with a psychiatrist about a boy suspected to have “more than a psychiatric condition’’.
The complainant – and Greens MP David Shoebridge – raised concerns over the Psychology Council’s response with state ministers.
Mental Health Minister Pru Goward last week advised Mr Shoebridge that the Health Care Complaints Commission had initiated its own review.
‘’Parliamentarians and the government have a fundamental duty of care when it comes to caring for the mental health of young people which we simply can’t ignore,’’ Mr Shoebridge said.
‘’I am very glad to see the matter is being reviewed by the HCCC because on any view of the matter the earlier response of the Psychology Council was woefully inadequate. My office will be closely following the HCCC’s review to ensure that the public interest and rights of a child are being protected.
‘’Regardless of the facts in this matter, I don’t think anyone in the 21st century would seriously argue with the proposition that the practice of exorcism and the practice of psychology should never be mixed.’’
The complainant said she raised concerns as she did not believe adults or children should be subjected to exorcism.
“The definition of exorcism is that they are used to ‘to drive out evil spirits’. These children have mental health issues, not so-called evil spirits that need to be driven out of them.’’
When approached by the Mercury last month, Dr Stoyles did not wish to talk about exorcism but said the ritual had not been the focus of the counselling interview.
‘’The focus of the interview was how I balance the roles of being a Catholic priest and my work as a clinical psychologist, so the role of priest does not interfere unduly with the role of psychologist.’’
