SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — A longtime Sioux Falls counselor is jail, accused of having an illegal relationship with one of his patients.

59-year-old Roy Conrad faces six counts of sexual penetration by a psychotherapist and is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Monday in Lincoln County. Court documents say Conrad convinced his victim that his physical touch would help her overcome life trauma.

The victim told investigators Conrad physically groomed her. She says it started with hugs and then he started touching her stomach, which made her cry. She believed it was because of previous trauma.

The physical touching during their sessions intensified in 2020.

The affidavit says Conrad claimed to be desensitizing the victim by touching her upper chest and breasts. He claimed he was doing it for therapeutic reasons.

During one session, when Conrad told the victim was told to lie on top of him during therapy, she remembers him saying quote, “I think I’m falling in love with you.”

Last September, court documents say the victim’s sessions with Conrad turned sexual.

On some therapy sessions they would walk outside. The victim says this is where Conrad first kissed her and they later had sex.

Investigators have obtained numerous cards and online messages, supporting the victim’s claims.

One says, “That’s how much you mean to me — someone to laugh with; someone to flirt with; someone to tickle…. Didn’t I tell you baby… You are the joy of my life.”

He has been working as a counselor since 1986 and went into private practice in 2008.

We checked Conrad’s history online and he has no criminal record.