Confidentiality
A therapist learns that their client is having an affair. The client’s spouse is also a client in separate sessions and asks if their partner has mentioned anything concerning. What should the therapist do?
The therapist must maintain confidentiality and cannot disclose information shared in individual sessions, even to another client.
Is it unethical to give or receive a gift from a client?
No! In marriage and family therapy it is important to establish a relationship with your clients. This has been ruled to be ethical as long as it adheres to cultural standards.
A marriage counselor is treating a couple where one partner is dealing with serious depression. The therapist knows the individual’s depression is impacting their ability to communicate openly in the relationship. The other partner, noticing these changes, asks the therapist if they can speak with them privately about their concerns. What should the therapist do in this situation?
The therapist should respect confidentiality and not disclose any information shared in private sessions without the client's consent. However, the therapist can offer to speak with both partners together, while encouraging open communication. If the therapist believes the individual is at risk, they may need to break confidentiality for safety reasons.
Is information about a client is able to be shared as long as their name is not refered?
Incorrect, therapists may not share info with collegues that could potentially lead to the identification of the client.
Whats a boundary crossing in this discipline?
Extending the relationship outside of a therapeutic relationship. But not to a point where it becomes unethical (eating dinner with client, attending clients wedding, etc.)
T or F? Clients can withdraw from research at any time.
What kind of environment should therapists attempt to establish? (for brownie points explain some ways to do this)
information about the clients is kept between the therapist and the client only.
False, in instances therapists need to inform the client and other intrested parties such as family about some information (with proper authorization of course). The therapist also must make sure they are aware of the sharing.
What's the difference between a boundary violation and a boundary-crossing?
Violation: Sexual contact/relationship, business partners, or any other exploitative relationship between client and therapist.
What's something therapists need to do BEFORE conducting research?
A therapist has been working with a client for over a year, helping them through a difficult divorce. The client expresses deep gratitude for the therapist’s support and begins making comments about how much they admire and respect them. Over time, the client starts flirting, bringing small gifts, and mentioning that they "feel a deep connection" with the therapist. One day, the client says, "I know the rules, but I’m willing to wait until I’m no longer your client. We have something special, and I think we could be amazing together."
True
Why is the Code of Ethics very strict on dual relationships?
To prevent exploitation of either party
T or F? It is important that Marriage and family therapists are ALWAYS referenced in students papers
Suprisingly False, Because of rule 5.7. Which states "Marriage and family therapists do not accept or require authorship credit for a publication based from student’s research, unless the marriage and family therapist made a substantial contribution beyond being a faculty advisor or research committee member. Co-authorship on student research should be determined in accordance with principles of fairness and justice."
What should a counselor do when they feel they cannot help a client with their particular situation?
Counselors should refer clients and be aware of other fields that will be better equipped for their situation. (Psychologists, Psychaiatrists, and Social Workers)
How can someone as a Therapist and a Professor use examples from their sessions in class?
Obtain permission from client and institution. And have a written waiver from said institution.
What is the likely consequence of a therapist committing a boundary violation and a dual relationship with a client?
Therapists may possibly lose their license and job in that field. As well as be eligible for being sued for malpractice.
Information about a client will ALWAYS remain confidential during research
No, there are instances where if the client agrees to it they may sign a waiver to expose more information about themselves.
A therapist is working with a teenage client who confides that they have been sneaking out at night and engaging in risky behavior but insists they are not in danger. The client’s parents ask if there is anything they should be concerned about. What should the therapist do?
maintain confidentiality unless the client is at risk of serious harm. If the behavior poses a direct danger to the client’s safety, the therapist may need to breach confidentiality, but otherwise, they cannot disclose information to the parents without the client’s consent.