The Psychology Council of New South Wales has placed Married At First Sight expert John Aiken under counseling regarding the Psychology Board of Australia’s Code of Conduct following a complaint from former participant Ben Walters.
Background of the Complaint
Ben Walters, who appeared in season 11 of the Channel Nine show, lodged the complaint in April 2025. He criticized Aiken’s on-screen behavior and attitude toward participants during his 2023 experience, which involved four sessions with the expert.
“I am troubled by aspects of his on-screen behaviour and commentary, which I believe may constitute a breach of his ethical obligations as a registered psychologist,” Walters stated in the complaint.
Walters further argued that Aiken continues to offer commentary drawing on his professional expertise, influencing public perceptions. He raised concerns that Aiken’s role in a program emphasizing drama and conflict conflicts with principles of the Australian Psychological Society Code of Ethics, adopted by the Psychology Board.
Council’s Response and Decision
The Council investigated the matter and discussed it at a meeting on December 9, 2025. “At its meeting on 9 December 2025, the Council agreed that Mr Aiken be counselled about the Code of Conduct published by the Psychology Board of Australia. Subject to counselling, the Council agreed to close the complaint,” the official reply confirmed.
The Council will retain a record of the complaint and review it if further issues arise regarding Aiken’s conduct.
Prior Investigation
This marks the second scrutiny for Aiken. A 2017 probe by the Psychology Council of NSW resulted in restrictions preventing him from referring to himself as a psychologist or performing psychological practice on the show.
Ongoing Debates Around MAFS Experts
The case highlights questions about the role of experts like Aiken, Mel Schilling, and Alessandra Rampolla. Participants question whether they prioritize couple support or contribute to on-screen drama.
In 2017, groom Andrew ‘Jonesy’ Jones publicly challenged Aiken over an Instagram post hyping conflict between Jones and his on-screen wife Cheryl Maitland. Aiken captioned a photo: “Are things going to get a little ugly between Jonesy and Cheryl tonight? Perhaps a little payback?”
Jones responded: “Does your psychologist froth on things getting ugly? Is he/she into revenge and payback?”
Channel Nine has been approached for comment on these developments.
