Not the Usual Ethics Course
Behavioral health clinicians in all disciplines are confronted almost daily with ethical situations. Ethics are not absolute. Some may be more clearly defined than others, but most often there is not a black and white answer. There may be situations such as whether or not to accept a gift from a client, encountering a client in a social situation, or living in a small community. More serious issues are dual relationships, touch in therapy, addressing countertransference, or other issues that interfere with direct client care. The "gray areas" are often the most confusing when making ethical decisions. When therapists and counselors lack sufficient training, do not stay current on ethics, or become complacent, they may find themselves at risk of losing their professional license, damaging their professional reputation, or encountering legal difficulties because of ethical mistakes or violations. As a result, clients are harmed, the profession as a whole loses credibility, and insurance rates go up.

During this seminar, participants will address some difficult and often complex ethical situations that they encounter when working with mental illness and addictions. Discussion will include examples of ethical situations and challenges to offer a clearer understanding of appropriate and inappropriate responses when ethical dilemmas arise. We'll address issues such as clarification of personal values, managing dual relationships, confidentiality and technology, cultural competence, physical touch in therapy, living in smaller communities, and confronting sexual attraction. Dr. Frances Patterson will instruct through the use of didactic, electronic media, and experiential learning techniques, allowing participants to explore the dangers of ignoring personal feelings and issues that arise during sessions with clients. Through discussion and experiential activities, participants will learn how to maintain high ethical standards while providing quality client care.

Course Content

CHISLED IN STONE OR GUIDELINES

• Types of ethics
• Code as a guide
• Limits to codes of ethics

MAKING ETHICAL DECISIONS

• Decision-making models
• 7-step model
• Other models

WHAT & WHEN TO REPORT

• Steps to address and report ethical violations
• Reporting obligations

PERSONAL BELIEFS & VALUES

• Knowing ourselves
• Challenging topics
• Activity: challenging topics, values, and client care
• What’s our job?
• Some situations to ponder...where do you stand?
• Values and honesty
  • Imposing vs. exposing
  • Neutrality in counseling
• Values Enhancement Plan

PERSONAL VALUES & CULTURE

• Cultural humility
• Cultural communication
• Counselor matching
• Addressing tough cultural topics

LET’S TALK TECHNOLOGY

• Texting and emailing
• Social networking

BOUNDARY CROSSING VS. BOUNDARY VIOLATION

• Slippery slope
• Modeling boundary setting

• Issues to consider
  • Meeting outside the office
  • Social contact
  • Financial dealings
  • Dual relationships in small communities
  • Gift giving
  • Safety and crisis

MANAGING TRANSFERENCE & COUNTERTRANSFERENCE

• Activity – your experience with countertransference
• Unaddressed countertransference
• Recognizing countertransference
• Sexual countertransference

OTHER ETHICAL CHALLENGES

• Conflict of interest
• Self-disclosure in therapy
  • Multiple clients

• Dual relationships
  • Examples
  • Cultural considerations

THE POWER STRUGGLE

• Clients and power
• Therapeutic use of power

TOUCH IN THERAPY

• Establishing boundaries
• Types of touch
• Ethical considerations
• Guidelines for touch

TAKING CARE OF ME

• Activity – learning as part of self-care
• Sources of stress
• Caretaker vs. caregiver
• Results of burnout
• The need for therapy