Prompt 1: Personal ethics
There are many parties who have played a role in defining my ethical compass. I owe these individuals for the ethical insights that I have gained and the philosophies that I have adopted. I am convinced that the insights and the values that I have acquired will influence my decision making process and the quality of services that I offer my clients. My parents have had the most profound impact on my value system. Since I was a child, they have always reminded me of the need to uphold such values as integrity, commitment and kindness. I understand that these values are vital in the psychology profession. Practitioners need to stay committed to the wellbeing of their clients while embracing kindness and integrity.
My parents are not the only parties who serve as the source of my values and ethical principles. My teachers have also played a role in setting my ethical compass. They have taught me the need to uphold the standard values that guide the work of psychologists. For instance, I am always reminded by my teachers that client confidentiality is inviolable. While there are some circumstances where ethical principles will demand that I betray the trust that my client has placed in me, I should strive to safeguard client confidentiality. My peers add to the list of those from whom my values come. Whereas it is true that the role that they have played is rather small, I must recognize them for challenging me to adhere to the ethical standards that psychology professionals are required to live by.
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The ethical standards and principles that I have acquired have remain largely unchanged throughout my life. The only change that has occurred is that I have learnt about new principles and chosen to adopt them. I believe that the principles and ethical values will guide my decision making process. Such values as client confidentiality and the need to promote the welfare of clients will undoubtedly shape how I deliver services. I commit to always respect my clients and ensure that the services that I offer promote their wellbeing.
Prompt 2: Ethical dilemmas and conflicts
In the execution of their mandate, psychologists often face ethical dilemmas. The resolution of these dilemmas is usually difficult since there are no clear guidelines that can be used to confidently determine what is wrong and what is right. Private practice is my ideal work setting. I understand that this setting will present many ethical dilemmas. Despite this, I believe that this setting will offer me the best opportunity to engage with clients and to develop my career. I also feel that private practice offers on countless opportunities for transforming lives since one is able to interact with clients from all manner of backgrounds.
In the discussion above, I have mentioned that psychologists face ethical dilemmas. I understand that I have no insulation against these dilemmas and that I should expect to encounter them. One of the dilemmas that I expect to face regards patient confidentiality. I fear that there will be situations where I will be forced to share client information with third parties without authorization from the client. For example, in a criminal investigation, I may have to cooperate with the law enforcement officials by providing client information. I understand that ethical standards demand that I protect client confidentiality. However, I think that it must be remembered that there are exceptional circumstances that justify the violation of client confidentiality. Apart from this dilemma, I also expect to encounter situations which force me to become personally involved in the lives of patients. I know that I must remain professional at all times in my interactions with clients. However, I think that it will be difficult to remain professional in such situations as those that involve romantic desires for my clients. Despite my fear that I will face these dilemmas, I reiterate my commitment to honoring the code and standards that guide the operations of psychologists.
Prompt 3: Ethical dilemma analysis
The case provided contains a number of ethical dilemmas for which the APA standards offer insight. One of these dilemmas concerns full disclosure. The psychologist is confronted with the need to open up to the new client about his sessions with the client’s ex-husband. The psychologist needs to help this new client understand that her ex-husband was also his client and that conflict of interest may arise. It is mentioned in the case that during his sessions with the new client’s ex-husband, the psychologist discussed his desire to end the marriage. The psychologist has two options: reveal that he attended to the new client’s ex-wife or withhold this information. The first option has the advantage of allowing the psychologist to create an environment where openness can thrive. The main disadvantage is that this option could encourage the new client to seek personal information about her ex-husband. The second option also has its own advantages and cons. The main advantage is that this option will enable the psychologist to keep the new client without necessarily compromising his independence and objectivity. The chief disadvantage is that this option could create a conflict of interest and would place the psychologist in violation of the professional code of conduct. After analyzing the advantages and the demerits of the two options, it is advised that the psychologist should fully disclose the fact that he attended to the ex-husband. The APA standards require that psychologists disclose all information (“Full Disclosure”, n.d). This should be done with the aim of ensuring that conflicts of interest do not arise. In the event that a psychologist fails to be completely honest, they risk violating the APA codes and harming the welfare of their client.
In addition to the issue of full disclosure, client confidentiality is another matter that poses an ethical dilemma for the psychologist. While there is no explicit indication in the case that the psychologist wishes to discuss the personal issues shared by the new client’s ex-husband, there is some risk that the psychologist will inadvertently share this information. The APA standards are clear on the question of client confidentiality. With the exception of a few instances where a psychologist is permitted to disclose private information shared by clients, the APA guidelines make it clear that client confidentiality must be honored (“Ethical Principles”, n.d). Two options are available to the psychologist. One, he may choose to accept the new client. Two, he could reject the new client. The key advantage in the first option is that the psychologist will be able to help the new client with her anxiety. This option has the disadvantage of creating complications and conflicts of interest. The main advantage of the second option is that it will spare the psychologist of the complications. However, this option has the demerit of denying the new client access to the services offered by the psychologist. It is advised that the psychologist should reject the new client. This decision will allow the psychologist to stay clear of conflicts of interest. The new client can be attended to by another psychologist who has no conflict of interest.
References
Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. (n.d). Retrieved 24th February 2017
From http://www.apa.org/ethics/code/
Full Disclosure of Interests. (n.d). Retrieved 24 th February 2017 from
https://www.apa.org/pubs/authors/disclosure-of-interests.pdf
