eventual friendship between a military psychiatrist, Dr Jerome Davenport and Navy sailor Antwone Fisher. The movie gives a glimpse of the harrowing struggles Antwone has so far survived in his life. We meet Antwone while he is in the Navy. He is mandated to attend three therapy sessions with Dr. Davenport as part of his disciplinary action for fighting with another sailor. The relationship continues beyond the three involuntary meetings as Antwone begins to trust Dr. Davenport and talks about his dreadful childhood and through his association with Dr Davenport finally gains closure and independence. Along the way Dr. Davenport finds himself exploring his own personal hurdles as well. Confidentiality
Confidentiality appears to be a straight …show more content…
If the practitioner is unfamiliar or disrespectful with these exceptions then there could be serious professional consequences. (Younggren, J., & Harris, E. 2008). In the film Dr. Davenport keeps his client files unprotected in his home. Under Psychotherapy & Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) Interim Code of Ethics 4.1.4 (F) “All records should be accurate, respectful of clients and colleagues, and protected from unauthorised disclosure. Practitioners are to store client records securely at all times to ensure confidentiality”. Therefore Dr. Davenport’s has an ethical duty to ensure that Antwone’s records are in a safe place with limited access. Dr. Davenport also breaches confidentiality when he introduces Antwone to his wife and tells her that Antwone is his client. Dr. Davenport has not sought Antwone consent although Antwone does not seem to be concerned and Dr. Davenport has not told his wife any details about why Antwone is his client however, Dr Davenport discusses therapeutic issues with Antwone, at his place of work, within hearing distance of his shipmates and at another time while Dr. Davenport is visiting Antwone the holding cell in Mexico he again discusses …show more content…
Davenport has difficulties in maintaining his professional boundaries with Antwone whilst he is still his client. Throughout the movie Dr. Davenport discusses Antwone personal life and troubles whilst attending his graduation ceremony and again in his personal quarters onboard the ship. Also by inviting Antwone to the family thanksgiving party and giving Antwone his personal phone number, for check-ins “off the clock” Dr Davenport is blurring the boundaries that he is professional bound to uphold. Remley & Herlily, (2010.) state that professional boundaries are needed to define the professional relationship between counsellor and client. The level of vulnerability for both parties is unique, as is the sharing of emotions such as empathy, trust, compassion, and positive regard (Parsons, 2011). Although minor boundary crossings can occur, for example, giving the client a lift home, it is important for the counsellor to recognise the potential harm that could result when the interactions between the client and counsellor are not part of the formal arrangement (Corey, Corey & Callanan, 2011.) Not only could Dr. Davenport be creating an unhealthy dependency with Antwone, he could be also creating harmful situations for both his family and Antwone. While minor boundary crossings are not always harmful for the client, any interactions outside of the therapeutic relationship must be dealt with professionally and not as a friendship. (Gutheil & Brodsky, 2008). Specifically,
Confidentiality appears to be a straight …show more content…
If the practitioner is unfamiliar or disrespectful with these exceptions then there could be serious professional consequences. (Younggren, J., & Harris, E. 2008). In the film Dr. Davenport keeps his client files unprotected in his home. Under Psychotherapy & Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) Interim Code of Ethics 4.1.4 (F) “All records should be accurate, respectful of clients and colleagues, and protected from unauthorised disclosure. Practitioners are to store client records securely at all times to ensure confidentiality”. Therefore Dr. Davenport’s has an ethical duty to ensure that Antwone’s records are in a safe place with limited access. Dr. Davenport also breaches confidentiality when he introduces Antwone to his wife and tells her that Antwone is his client. Dr. Davenport has not sought Antwone consent although Antwone does not seem to be concerned and Dr. Davenport has not told his wife any details about why Antwone is his client however, Dr Davenport discusses therapeutic issues with Antwone, at his place of work, within hearing distance of his shipmates and at another time while Dr. Davenport is visiting Antwone the holding cell in Mexico he again discusses …show more content…
Davenport has difficulties in maintaining his professional boundaries with Antwone whilst he is still his client. Throughout the movie Dr. Davenport discusses Antwone personal life and troubles whilst attending his graduation ceremony and again in his personal quarters onboard the ship. Also by inviting Antwone to the family thanksgiving party and giving Antwone his personal phone number, for check-ins “off the clock” Dr Davenport is blurring the boundaries that he is professional bound to uphold. Remley & Herlily, (2010.) state that professional boundaries are needed to define the professional relationship between counsellor and client. The level of vulnerability for both parties is unique, as is the sharing of emotions such as empathy, trust, compassion, and positive regard (Parsons, 2011). Although minor boundary crossings can occur, for example, giving the client a lift home, it is important for the counsellor to recognise the potential harm that could result when the interactions between the client and counsellor are not part of the formal arrangement (Corey, Corey & Callanan, 2011.) Not only could Dr. Davenport be creating an unhealthy dependency with Antwone, he could be also creating harmful situations for both his family and Antwone. While minor boundary crossings are not always harmful for the client, any interactions outside of the therapeutic relationship must be dealt with professionally and not as a friendship. (Gutheil & Brodsky, 2008). Specifically,