2007-01-16 06:57:55 · 11 answers · asked by Isabelle06 4 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Just to clarify, I'm not a psychologist, so it's not my case. But my friend said he loves her terapist and she loves him. However, I know her and she's dating someone else. I don't want my friend to have his heart broken and his confidence ruined.
2007-01-16 07:16:54 · update #1
NO, it's not illegal, but it IS highly unethical.
Patients/Clients frequently feel romantic feelings toward their therapists. It is called transference. It is a rather natural result of the therapist's ability to listen without being judgmental, offer support and encouragement and other positive regard. It is, however, transitory, and a GOOD therapist (and ethical) will help the client to recognize the feelings for what they are and move beyond them.
American Psychological Association Code of Conduct (in relevant part)
10.05 Sexual Intimacies With Current Therapy Clients/Patients
Psychologists do not engage in sexual intimacies with current therapy clients/patients.
10.06 Sexual Intimacies With Relatives or Significant Others of Current Therapy Clients/Patients
Psychologists do not engage in sexual intimacies with individuals they know to be close relatives, guardians, or significant others of current clients/patients. Psychologists do not terminate therapy to circumvent this standard.
10.07 Therapy With Former Sexual Partners
Psychologists do not accept as therapy clients/patients persons with whom they have engaged in sexual intimacies.
10.08 Sexual Intimacies With Former Therapy Clients/Patients
(a) Psychologists do not engage in sexual intimacies with former clients/patients for at least two years after cessation or termination of therapy.
(b) Psychologists do not engage in sexual intimacies with former clients/patients even after a two-year interval except in the most unusual circumstances. Psychologists who engage in such activity after the two years following cessation or termination of therapy and of having no sexual contact with the former client/patient bear the burden of demonstrating that there has been no exploitation, in light of all relevant factors, including (1) the amount of time that has passed since therapy terminated; (2) the nature, duration, and intensity of the therapy; (3) the circumstances of termination; (4) the client's/patient's personal history; (5) the client's/patient's current mental status; (6) the likelihood of adverse impact on the client/patient; and (7) any statements or actions made by the therapist during the course of therapy suggesting or inviting the possibility of a posttermination sexual or romantic relationship with the client/patient. (See also Standard 3.05, Multiple Relationships.)
2007-01-16 07:20:26 · answer #1 · answered by jurydoc 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's not *illegal* but it's HIGHLY unethical and unprofessional. The APA specifically prohibits a therapist from having ANY outside relationship with a patient. If the therapist is even considering going out with a patient, he or she should take a step back and stop the behavior immediately.
There is one exception to this rule. The APA allows psychologists to develop personal relationships with FORMER clients - but the clinical relationship must have ended more than 2 years prior to the beginning of the personal relationship and the psychologist carries the full responsibility for the relationship (for example, if the couple broke up and the former patient committed suicide, the therapist would be in a huge amount of trouble). This is still considered extremely unusual and is not condoned
2007-01-16 08:06:11 · answer #2 · answered by jdphd 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It is definitely a conflict of interest and in a situation such as you've described the ethical line of professional code of ethics has been crossed. If the Psychologist in question is reported she can loose her license to practice, and at the very least be placed on probation from the American Association of Professional Psychology.
2007-01-16 07:10:36 · answer #3 · answered by Brains & Beauty 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe that it is against the rules set out by the board of psychologists to date a client. As well it is not unusual for patients to fall in love with their doctor and the doctor is trained to deal with this when it happens
2007-01-16 07:20:27 · answer #4 · answered by rkilburn410 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not illegal but it is unethical. It is also selfish and gross negligence, and if I ever heard about it I would immediately report it to the Head Psy if she has one. I call that preying on the weak.
I call that a lot of other things too. Though it's not illegal, it makes for a beautiful lawsuit that would make some lawyer filthy rich (double entendre there) Good Luck!!! @8-)
2007-01-16 07:33:30 · answer #5 · answered by Dovey 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
not illegal I don't think depending on if they are private practice or not. In a clinic setting I would say yes untill they are done with treatment. If still in treatment they should get a new psychologist.
2007-01-16 07:06:31 · answer #6 · answered by Larissa A 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes because they have a duty of care for their patient. The psychologist has a code of ethics which bars her from "personnel" connections with the patient and she can loose her license.
If your friend is induced into a hypnotic trance during his sessions then you may want to explain sex slave to him.
2007-01-16 07:33:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is not illegal but if it is found out she will most definately get fired and will probably lose her license to be a psychologist.
2007-01-16 07:08:12 · answer #8 · answered by trinigal33167 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No, but it's certainly treading the line ethically. You might want to wait until after the treatment is complete to pursue anything like that.
2007-01-16 07:05:29 · answer #9 · answered by spunk113 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
illegal no, but they can lose their license to practice if reported to the state licensing board.
2007-01-16 07:07:59 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋