Cynthia Hickman Investigation: Former Client Raises Allegations Over Universal Medicine Links as Psychology Board Refers Case to VCAT
The name of Melbourne-based psychologist Cynthia Hickman has attracted public attention following an investigation into allegations that she encouraged a former client to engage with practitioners and spiritual teachings associated with Universal Medicine, an organisation that has faced serious criticism.
The report, published by ABC News on November 14, 2026, centres on the account of a former client identified by the pseudonym “Helen.” She spoke about her experience with Hickman and the wider network of practitioners she says she encountered while seeking psychological support.
Although some online searches have associated Hickman’s name with the word “accident,” the recent reporting concerns professional conduct allegations, not a confirmed road accident or physical injury involving the psychologist.
Who Is Cynthia Hickman?
Cynthia Hickman is a Melbourne-based registered psychologist who previously described herself as a “soul psychologist.” According to the investigation, she conducted therapy sessions from her home in Melbourne’s southern suburbs and had written about her approach to psychology in a wellness publication.
Her professional conduct has come under scrutiny following complaints from former clients who alleged that her therapeutic work became connected to the teachings and activities of Universal Medicine.
The allegations have raised questions about professional boundaries, the separation of evidence-based psychological treatment from spiritual practices, and the responsibilities of registered health practitioners when working with vulnerable clients.
Former Client Describes Her Experience
The ABC investigation features the account of a Victorian woman identified as Helen, who said she first approached Hickman in 2006.
Helen reportedly travelled approximately 400 kilometres for appointments, hoping to receive support for the effects of childhood trauma and difficult family experiences. She initially believed Hickman’s approach would provide a safe environment in which to discuss issues she had previously struggled to address.
However, Helen alleged that after the therapeutic relationship had developed, Hickman encouraged her to attend talks by spiritual practitioners and seek alternative treatments.
One of the practitioners mentioned in the investigation was Serryn O’Regan, a former corporate lawyer associated with Universal Medicine. Helen described an experience involving a treatment referred to as “esoteric breast massage,” which she said left her distressed.
Helen estimated that she spent approximately A$35,000 over three years on therapy, alternative treatments and related talks.
These details represent Helen’s account as reported by ABC News. They should not be treated as independently established findings against every individual mentioned.
Alleged Links to Universal Medicine
The investigation examines how Helen came to recognise connections between the people involved in her treatment and Universal Medicine, a group centred on Serge Benhayon.
Helen said she later attended an event in Byron Bay where she saw Hickman and other practitioners she had encountered previously. She alleged that the experience helped her understand the network of relationships surrounding the organisation.
Universal Medicine and its founder have faced significant public criticism. The ABC report also discusses a previous New South Wales jury finding concerning Benhayon’s leadership of the organisation.
Helen further alleged that some of the ideas introduced during her therapy sessions reflected beliefs associated with Universal Medicine. One particularly serious allegation concerned a statement she said Hickman made about the reasons for her childhood sexual abuse, linking it to supposed conduct in a past life.
Helen described the alleged statement as deeply distressing and said it contributed to her decision to end the therapeutic relationship.
Professional Complaint and Regulatory Conditions
The matter later reached the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), following complaints from former clients.
According to the ABC investigation, the Psychology Board of Australia placed conditions on Hickman’s practice in 2023. The conditions included supervision relating to evidence-based practice, professional boundaries and keeping her work as a psychologist separate from alternative therapies and spiritual advice.
The restrictions also meant Hickman could no longer use the professional description “soul psychologist.”
The investigation further reported that the Psychology Board had referred the matter to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), asking the tribunal to determine whether Hickman had engaged in professional misconduct.
A referral is not the same as a final finding. The tribunal process is important because it provides a formal avenue for considering the allegations and determining any appropriate professional consequences.
What Is Known About the Investigation?
The available reporting identifies several central issues:
Former clients have raised concerns about the nature of Hickman’s professional practice.
A former client identified as Helen described alleged connections between her therapy and Universal Medicine practitioners.
The Psychology Board of Australia imposed practice conditions in 2023.
The ABC reported that the board referred the professional misconduct matter to VCAT.
The investigation said Hickman, Serryn O’Regan and Serge Benhayon did not respond to questions from the program.
The allegations and regulatory proceedings should be distinguished from any final tribunal determination. The available report does not establish that every allegation made by the former client has been proven.
Is Cynthia Hickman Involved in an Accident?
Despite searches connecting Cynthia Hickman’s name with the term “accident,” the recent report does not describe an accident involving her.
There is no confirmed information in the available coverage establishing that she was involved in a vehicle collision, suffered an injury or died in an accident. The current public attention surrounding her name relates to the professional misconduct allegations and the regulatory process.
Readers should therefore avoid sharing accident or death claims about Hickman without reliable confirmation.
