Exploring Ethical Challenges in the Therapeutic Relationship and Counseling Environment

• • Identify why it is important to report unethical behaviors
• • Examine how personal values determine professional conduct
• • Identify the importance of cultural competency
• • Discuss boundary crossing vs. boundary violations
• • Determine how to make ethical decisions in difficult situations
• • Describe issues with unresolved countertransference

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.