Dr. Miller should state unambiguously to Carol that a sexual relationship cannot and will not take place. Entering into a romantic relationship with Carol would violate APA ethics codes 3.5 Multiple Relationships, 3.8 Exploitive Relationships, and 10.5 Sexual Intimacies With Current Therapy Clients/Patients. These violations are in direct conflict of APA Ethical Principle A, Beneficence and Nonmaleficence, as well as Principle B, Fidelity and Responsibility. By entering into a relationship with Carol, Dr. Miller would also be in risk of having an action brought against him by the Attorney General in the name of the state of Illinois as authorized by Illinois law (740 ILCS 140/2 c.). This could result in possible criminal prosecution for Dr.
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Miller should not refer Carol to another therapist because the client’s feelings of intimacy are not uncommon in therapy. The trust and openness of the therapeutic relationship took considerable time and effort to develop and should not be terminated. Having the client start over and try to develop trust in a new therapist would be a disadvantage to the client. Carol’s feelings can be beneficial in her therapy because they can be used to learn more about how they play a role in her other relationships, specifically her relationship with her husband. However, if neither Carol nor Dr. Miller can refrain from acting on their feelings of intimacy, it would then be advantageous for Dr. Miller to refer Carol to another …show more content…
Ainsworth should accept the client into the group. Although this would be a multiple relationship, according to APA ethics code 3.5a Multiple Relationships, not every multiple relationship is unethical. The issue is whether Dr. Ainsworth is aware of and can manage any factors that can cause harm or exploitation. In determining what to do, Dr. Ainsworth should ask her own self in what ways could the relationship affect her objectivity? For instance, Dr. Ainsworth should determine whether her personal concern and feelings about the client possibly being intoxicated while delivering her baby would cause her to be biased and incapable of providing the same level of care and service that the client needs and has a right to as expressed in APA ethics code General Principle D, Justice. Dr. Ainsworth must also take in consideration the potential benefits to the client. For instance, no other treatment has worked for the client and Dr. Ainsworth’s treatment was recommended by another therapist. Subsequently, there is no other similar treatment facility within the geographic area. Therefore, Dr. Ainsworth must take this into consideration when trying to adhere to APA ethics code General Principle A, Beneficence and Nonmaleficence and Principle D, Justice. Dr. Ainsworth should also consider the possibility of making alternative arrangements such as having another therapist conduct the group sessions that involve the client. Dr. Ainsworth also needs to take into
Miller should not refer Carol to another therapist because the client’s feelings of intimacy are not uncommon in therapy. The trust and openness of the therapeutic relationship took considerable time and effort to develop and should not be terminated. Having the client start over and try to develop trust in a new therapist would be a disadvantage to the client. Carol’s feelings can be beneficial in her therapy because they can be used to learn more about how they play a role in her other relationships, specifically her relationship with her husband. However, if neither Carol nor Dr. Miller can refrain from acting on their feelings of intimacy, it would then be advantageous for Dr. Miller to refer Carol to another …show more content…
Ainsworth should accept the client into the group. Although this would be a multiple relationship, according to APA ethics code 3.5a Multiple Relationships, not every multiple relationship is unethical. The issue is whether Dr. Ainsworth is aware of and can manage any factors that can cause harm or exploitation. In determining what to do, Dr. Ainsworth should ask her own self in what ways could the relationship affect her objectivity? For instance, Dr. Ainsworth should determine whether her personal concern and feelings about the client possibly being intoxicated while delivering her baby would cause her to be biased and incapable of providing the same level of care and service that the client needs and has a right to as expressed in APA ethics code General Principle D, Justice. Dr. Ainsworth must also take in consideration the potential benefits to the client. For instance, no other treatment has worked for the client and Dr. Ainsworth’s treatment was recommended by another therapist. Subsequently, there is no other similar treatment facility within the geographic area. Therefore, Dr. Ainsworth must take this into consideration when trying to adhere to APA ethics code General Principle A, Beneficence and Nonmaleficence and Principle D, Justice. Dr. Ainsworth should also consider the possibility of making alternative arrangements such as having another therapist conduct the group sessions that involve the client. Dr. Ainsworth also needs to take into