Select One Of The Following Scenarios: A Close Friend Of You

Selectone Of The Following Scenariosa Close Friend Of Yours Is Having

Select one of the following scenarios: A close friend of yours is having difficulty with her teenage daughter. She knows you are a psychologist who specializes in adolescents. She asks if you would be willing to see her daughter for a few sessions to straighten her out. Write a 750 to 800 word paper based on your selected scenario in which you examine the concept of dual relationships. As part of your examination, address the following items: Identify ethical and unethical actions you could take. Define the concept of dual relationships. Analyze the dual relationships presented in your scenario. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.

Paper For Above instruction

The scenario involving a close friend's request for psychological intervention with her teenage daughter presents a complex ethical dilemma rooted in the concept of dual relationships. In psychology and other mental health disciplines, dual relationships occur when a therapist assumes two or more roles simultaneously with a client or with individuals connected to the client, which can impair professional judgment or increase the risk of exploitation or harm (Barnett, 2018). Understanding dual relationships and their ethical implications is vital for practitioners to maintain boundaries, uphold professional standards, and ensure client welfare.

In this case, the psychologist’s relationship with the friend complicates the therapeutic dynamic, as it introduces potential conflicts of interest, boundary issues, and questions about objectivity. While the intent might be to help the daughter, acting in multiple roles—friend, confidant, and mental health professional—can blur lines of professional conduct. Ethical guidelines from organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA, 2017) explicitly caution against dual relationships that could impair objectivity or exploit the trust of the client or the involved parties.

Ethical and Unethical Actions

Engaging with the daughter in therapy could be ethical if conducted with strict adherence to ethical standards, clear boundaries, and informed consent. For example, a clinician might ethically provide consultation or supervision in a case where boundaries are properly maintained, and the client’s autonomy and confidentiality are preserved (Knapp & Mattison, 2020). However, treating a close friend's child may violate ethical principles if it risks impairing the therapist’s objectivity, affecting the therapist-client relationship, or potentially causing harm due to dual role conflicts (Hanna, 2020).

Conversely, unethical actions might include agreeing to see the daughter without clearly delineating boundaries or without appropriate consent, thereby risking boundary violations and confidentiality breaches. Offering therapy primarily to “straighten out” a family member without explicit disclosure and informed consent can also be considered unethical because it may be perceived as exploiting the familial relationship or as interfering with familial dynamics inappropriately (American Counseling Association [ACA], 2014).

Analysis of Dual Relationships in This Scenario

The scenario exemplifies a boundary crossing where the psychologist has a personal relationship, and the potential dual relationship arises from serving both as a friend and as a mental health professional. This dual relationship poses several risks:

• Conflict of interest: The psychologist might struggle to remain neutral, potentially prioritizing the friendship over clinical objectivity.
• Impaired judgment: Personal knowledge of the friend’s circumstances could influence treatment decisions or create biases.
• Confidentiality concerns: The lines between personal and professional confidentiality may blur, risking disclosure of sensitive information within personal relationships.
• Power dynamics: The power and authority of being a therapist may conflict with the personal relationship roles, leading to ethical breaches or exploitation.

The appropriate ethical response would entail recognizing these risks and considering alternative ways to support the daughter without assuming a formal therapist role, such as recommending an impartial mental health professional or providing general advice rather than direct treatment.

Guidelines for Managing Dual Relationships

Therapists are advised to avoid dual relationships whenever possible; if unavoidable, boundaries must be carefully managed to prevent exploitation or harm. According to the APA (2017), psychologists should assess the potential for harm, consider the vulnerability of the client, and consult ethical guidelines or colleagues when faced with such dilemmas. Transparency, informed consent, and maintaining professional boundaries are crucial in navigating these situations ethically.

In conclusion, the scenario underscores the importance of understanding dual relationships within professional ethics. While offering support or advice might seem helpful, becoming directly involved in a family member’s therapy raises significant ethical concerns that can compromise the integrity of the therapeutic process and the well-being of the client. As mental health professionals, maintaining clear boundaries and adhering to ethical standards ensures the trustworthiness and effectiveness of the intervention, ultimately protecting both the client and the professional.

References

• American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA code of ethics. https://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/ethics
• American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. https://www.apa.org/ethics/code
• Barnett, J. E. (2018). Ethics Desk Reference for counselors. American Counseling Association.
• Hanna, F. J. (2020). The ethical practice of psychotherapy: Clearly delineating boundaries. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 42(2), 123-136.
• Knapp, S., & Mattison, M. (2020). Ethical dilemmas in psychotherapy practice. Routledge.