A former B.C. psychologist who “used and promoted astrology” as part of her practice has been disciplined by the professional regulator. The College of Health and Care Professionals of B.C. issued a disciplinary order last month after receiving a complaint about Lorraine Bennington from a former patient. Bennington agreed that, if she is reinstated as a psychologist, she will not repeat the conduct that spurred the complaint. “The respondent will not, as a core part of their practice of psychology, use or promote techniques such as astrology that have not been subject to scientific verification, and that are without proven validity and reliability,” the disciplinary order said. The former psychologist also agreed to a reprimand for “failing to adequately describe and ensure client understanding regarding how she uses astrology in her sessions; not recognizing and acting upon the complainant’s expressed discomfort with discussing astrology in the context of their treatment and moving forward from this topic in a timely manner,” according to the order. In the event that Bennington resumes practising, she also agreed she will seek and obtain informed consent for any treatments or tools used, and document instances of client refusal. According to Bennington’s website, she has not been a registered psychologist since April 1, 2026. “I am a spiritual, personal, and executive coach. Coaching does not include psychological diagnosis, assessment, or treatment, and is not a substitute for regulated mental health care,” the site says.
