Tatiana Zdyb, a London psychologist who lost licence after three incidents of misconduct. CTV News
In a serious breach of professional ethics, London-based psychologist Tatiana Zdyb has lost her licence to practice. The decision came after a disciplinary hearing held by Ontario’s College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts.
Zdyb faced allegations of misconduct involving illegal drug use with a client, an inappropriate sexual relationship with another, and falsely claiming to hold a doctoral degree.
Illegally Administered Psychedelic Drugs
One of the most alarming cases involved Zdyb giving a client two banned substances—ketamine and psilocybin. These hallucinogenic drugs are not legally permitted for therapy use in Canada outside of special exemptions.
This violation not only put her client at risk but also flouted national laws and professional codes. It formed a key part of the case presented during the disciplinary hearing.
Breach of Boundaries with a Client
The panel also heard that Zdyb had entered into a sexual relationship with another client. Such conduct is a direct violation of ethical rules in psychology.
Psychologists are bound to maintain professional boundaries with clients to ensure trust and objectivity. Crossing this line, the panel stated, marked a serious betrayal of duty.
Her lawyer, Grant Ferguson, acknowledged the misconduct and confirmed that Zdyb accepted full responsibility.
“She will be ending her chosen career path and has taken accountability for all these various faults,” he told the panel.
Falsely Claimed Doctoral Credentials
In addition to the other charges, Zdyb had also misrepresented herself as a doctor. Despite never earning a doctoral degree, she presented herself as one in her professional communications.
Such misrepresentation further eroded the trust that clients and the public place in regulated professionals.
Licence Revoked by College Panel
The panel, chaired by Dr. Ian Nicholson, concluded that Zdyb’s actions warranted the harshest disciplinary response. Her licence and certification were officially revoked.
“The public places trust in psychologists to uphold the highest standards of care and integrity,” Nicholson stated. “Your actions demonstrated a fundamental and egregious betrayal of that trust.”
This decision means Zdyb will no longer be permitted to practice psychology in Ontario.
Business and Public Presence
Zdyb operated a clinic under the name “Bridge the Gap,” located on Wharncliffe Road South in London. Her professional website described her services but will likely now be taken offline following the disciplinary outcome.
While her lawyer stated that she is remorseful, the damage to her career and reputation is irreversible.
Trust in Psychology Under Scrutiny
This case has raised concerns about ethics and oversight in the mental health field. The College’s decision sends a strong message about upholding professional standards.
Psychologists hold a unique responsibility to support clients in vulnerable moments. Any violation of that trust can have lasting consequences—not just for individuals, but for public confidence in mental health services.
