PSY611 Final Term Notes Set 3

PSY611 Final term Notes · Lesson 19: Ethical Issues in Psychotherapy · Informed Consent to Therapy

Therapists must explain important details about therapy to clients at the beginning, including:

Nature and progress of the therapy. Fees and financial matters. Third-party involvement, if any. Confidentiality limits and rules. They must answer any questions related to therapy.

If the therapy is experimental, clients should be informed about:

The developing nature of the therapy. Risks involved. Available alternatives. The voluntary nature of participation.

Additionally, if the therapist is a trainee, clients should know that supervision is involved, and they should be told the name of the supervisor.

Group Therapy

Advantages:

Group support and peer influence can help in faster recovery. A group environment may provide special insights and understanding.

Disadvantages:

Risks occur if the group leader is not properly trained. Group dynamics may not suit everyone and can cause stress due to emotional pressure or confidentiality issues. Therapists have less control over group sessions compared to individual therapy.

To minimize risks, the therapist should: Obtain informed consent. Ensure participation is voluntary. Screen participants appropriately. Differentiate roles in therapeutic versus educational groups.

Therapy Involving Couples or Families

Therapists should clarify:

Who the clients are. Their roles and relationships with each family member or couple.

If the therapist is asked to take conflicting roles, like being a witness in a divorce case, they should either clarify or step back from one role.

Providing Therapy to Those Already Being Treated by Others

If a client is already receiving therapy from another psychologist, the therapist must consider the client’s well-being and discuss potential issues with the client to avoid confusion or conflict.

Sexual Intimacies with Clients, Relatives, or Significant Others

Therapists are prohibited from having sexual relationships with:

Current clients. The client’s close relatives or guardians. Significant others of the client.

Interruption of Therapy

Therapists must plan for continuity of care in case therapy is interrupted due to:

Illness or death of the therapist. Relocation of the therapist or client. Financial limitations. They should ensure that proper care is arranged if the employment or contract ends. Client's Frame of Reference: Therapists should consider the client’s social, economic, and cultural background when organizing treatment.

Right to Refuse Treatment: Clients generally have the right to refuse therapy or seek alternative care, especially if they disagree with the therapy provided.

Conflicting Values: Therapists should avoid imposing personal values on clients, even if their goals differ.

The Exceptionally Difficult Client

Some clients may be particularly challenging for therapists to handle, such as:

Those making frequent suicidal threats. Clients who are intimidating or dangerous. Those who miss appointments or don't pay. Clients who constantly seek attention outside therapy hours.

Flashcard 1: Informed Consent in Therapy

What should therapists explain to clients during informed consent?

o Nature of therapy, fees, third-party involvement, confidentiality.

Flashcard 2: Advantages of Group Therapy

What are the benefits of group therapy?

o Support from peers and faster recovery.

Flashcard 3: Disadvantages of Group Therapy

What are the potential risks in group therapy?

o Inappropriate dynamics, less control by the therapist.

Flashcard 4: Special Therapist Obligations

What must therapists consider when treating clients from minority groups?

o Clients’ unique social, economic, and cultural pressures.