Ethical Standard 10.02a
When psychologists agree to provide services to multiple individuals who have a close relationship, they must clarify at the beginning who specifically holds this role.
What is the role of the client/patient?
When psychologists recognize they might be asked to perform roles that conflict, they are required to take steps to clarify or change these, or they may need to do this entirely.
What is withdrawing from a role?
You’re beginning work with a married couple. To prevent future misunderstandings, the first thing you clarify with them is who will officially be in this role.
What is the client/patient?
When starting therapy with a couple, the psychologist clarifies this aspect of their role, which involves balancing different perspectives within the session.
What are the psychologist's responsibilities in balancing interests?
In cases involving services to several related individuals, psychologists are required to take reasonable steps to clarify the nature of this with each person involved.
What is the psychologist's role or relationship with each person?
In cases where a psychologist may serve as a family therapist and later be asked to take sides in a legal matter, they are advised to address this type of issue.
What is a potentially conflicting role?
You’re a family therapist, and one parent asks you to testify for them in a divorce case. To handle this ethically, you consider doing this to avoid a conflict of interest.
What is withdrawing from the role?
In family therapy, a psychologist explains whether sessions will be held with individuals separately or with everyone together to ensure clarity on this matter.
What is whether sessions will be individual or conjoint?
To prevent misunderstandings, psychologists clarify the purpose of services provided and this, which might result from their sessions with multiple individuals.
What is the probable use of information obtained?
This standard advises psychologists to consult another guideline related to situations where dual roles may interfere with their professional objectivity.
What is Standard 3.05c, Multiple Relationships?
When anticipating a role conflict, you review this standard related to situations where personal and professional roles may overlap.
What is Standard 3.05c, Multiple Relationships?
To prevent misunderstandings about privacy, psychologists working with couples or families explain at the outset how this type of information will be managed.
What is confidential information?