A state panel suspended a therapist's license for speaking publicly about her counseling sessions with Nicole Brown Simpson.
Susan J. Forward, who was among the first to reveal Nicole Simpson's history of abuse at the hands of O.J. Simpson, is barred from seeing patients for three months. She also agreed to three years' probation for violating Nicole Simpson's confidentiality.Authorities also said Forward represented herself as a psychologist in television interviews with Barbara Walters and Geraldo Rivera. In fact, she is a clinical social worker. She was also accused of using the title "Dr." without explaining that has a doctorate degree and is not a physician.
The settlement was reported Friday by the Orange County Register, which said it was reached Friday.
"Therapy is based on privacy and secrecy, and a breach of confidentiality . . . destroys the therapeutic relationship," said state Deputy Attorney General Anne L. Mendoza, who represents the state Board of Behavioral Science Examiners. The board filed a complaint against Forward nearly a year ago.
Authorities said Forward had not revealed Nicole Simpson's private statements, but had offered her professional assessment of her client's situation, which is unethical.
Forward had two sessions with Nicole Simpson in 1992.
Forward denied wrongdoing and rejected accusations she sought news media attention to boost her career.