What are the possible boundary violations involved? Is there any occasion where it would be ok?
2006-10-11 10:52:22 · 12 answers · asked by Pushy Buttafly 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
His wife is a participant....as in a patient?
Yes! Its highly unethical. He wouldn't treat her on an individual basis....he also would not treat her in a group.
Here's the APA code:
3.05 Multiple Relationships
(a) A multiple relationship occurs when a psychologist is in a professional role with a person and (1) at the same time is in another role with the same person, (2) at the same time is in a relationship with a person closely associated with or related to the person with whom the psychologist has the professional relationship, or (3) promises to enter into another relationship in the future with the person or a person closely associated with or related to the person.
A psychologist refrains from entering into a multiple relationship if the multiple relationship could reasonably be expected to impair the psychologist's objectivity, competence, or effectiveness in performing his or her functions as a psychologist, or otherwise risks exploitation or harm to the person with whom the professional relationship exists.
Multiple relationships that would not reasonably be expected to cause impairment or risk exploitation or harm are not unethical.
10.05 Sexual Intimacies With Current Therapy Clients/Patients
Psychologists do not engage in sexual intimacies with current therapy clients/patients.
2006-10-11 13:32:09 · answer #1 · answered by psychgrad 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Is she receiving therapy from him in the group or is she co-leading the group with him? I have seen husband and wife therapy teams and have seen this work very well. If she is a "client" in the group, that's a little different. I don't know that there is any ethical violation here, although there could be boundary violations between the two of them. Usually it is not recommended that you have your partner as your therapist, as they are too closely involved and find it hard to be objective. They can try to change things about you that you would rather not change.
2006-10-11 11:34:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely unethical. Therapy is neither a spectator sport nor convenient vehicle for a therapist's wife to seek counsel.
Even if it were allowed how would it work? Break it down:
The wife's issues would most certainly include her relationship with her husband and;
as a client do you want to hear about your therapist's problems on your dime?
as a client do you want to hear that someone in your group is, in essesnce, sitting in on your emotional issues.
These are just a couple of the issues that determined the necessity for a code of ethics and, indeed, rarely do you find such an unethical situation a the one you describe.
Perhaps a few hippie communes left?
2006-10-11 12:08:08 · answer #3 · answered by Liligirl 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes it is unethical. Even if the therapist could find some way of "explaining" it, it will make other participants feel uneasy. Check with the local board where the therapist is licenced.
2006-10-12 02:22:40 · answer #4 · answered by shakespear 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a counselor I would never allow that to happen in a group that I was running. The dual role of spouse and therapist should not be combined. Now if it is a psychoeduction group and he is a facilitator, then it might be ok.
2006-10-11 10:56:23 · answer #5 · answered by Charles B 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. The organization or agency should have their code of ethics printed somewhere for those receiving services to view. This is breach of ethics possibly confidentiality depending on your local laws and may result in a disciplinary action for the group facilitator and the agency.
2006-10-11 17:09:07 · answer #6 · answered by NuMi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
certain boundaries should be drawn and it would not be Right to have a wife of the therapist participate ..... I don't see any occasion in being right .
2006-10-11 11:38:50 · answer #7 · answered by StarShine G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is completely unethical to work as a therapist with your family or friends, because the therapist is not going to be objective, love make us blind!
2006-10-11 10:56:56 · answer #8 · answered by Ingrid D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I think that's a HIPAA violation and should be reported. Unless she is a student who has to do it for class.
2006-10-11 12:39:34 · answer #9 · answered by Big Bear 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sure why not i think its ok shes in a group of people shes fine and she choses to be there if it were me i prolly wouldent allow it couze i wouldnt let my personal life interfere with my job
2006-10-11 11:00:37 · answer #10 · answered by bubbles and bambam 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋