Abstract

This blog will discuss some issues regarding the ethics of Family and couples counseling.
 

Ethics code 10.02 states: “Therapy Involving Couples or Families – (a) when psychologists agree to provide services to several persons who have a relationship, they take reasonable steps to clarify at the outset (1) which of the individuals are clients/patients and (2) the relationship the psychologist will have with each person.  This clarification includes they psychologist’s role and the probable uses of the services provided or the information obtained.”

 

It is important that the patients have a clear understanding of their therapist’s role.  Some clients may come in as a couple or family and it would be the psychologist’s role to treat the parties as a whole.   Other times there is a specific person that is the target of the therapy and the family is there to provide support.    Also, all parties must be willing participants of the therapy.  If they are not voluntarily agreeing to participate, they cannot be a part of the therapy. 

 

The therapist must clarify:
 (a) the psychologist’s responsibilities in balancing the interests of different individuals,
(b) whether the psychologist will conduct individual or joint therapy sessions, and
(c) how often the psychologist will meet with each party. 
 

Psychologists must also make the treatment goals clear so there is no misconception between the parties.

It is also very important for psychologists to clarify how confidential information will be handled.  It is important to remember that the therapist has a legal responsibility to break confidentiality and  disclose information about child abuse, domestic violence, HIV notification, high-risk behaviors of adolescent clients and any other instances of potential harm.  

**Source: Decoding the Ethics Code (3rd Edition) - Celia B. Fisher**

The code of Ethics for marriage and family counseling can be found here:
http://www.aamft.org/imis15/content/legal_ethics/code_of_ethics.aspx