Module 1 · Section 4 · Ethical Dilemma
Community Overlap
Six decisions, each one committed the moment you make it. There is no correct ending. At the close, the exercise audits the path you actually took.
The dilemma
A sex therapist working in a mid-sized city begins treating a new client and discovers, early in assessment, that the client is a close friend of a former client. The former therapeutic relationship ended eighteen months ago.
Does the former relationship create a dual relationship concern? What would need to be disclosed, if anything? And what happens if the two of them discuss their therapy with each other?
Part 1 of 6
You are twenty minutes into a first assessment session. The client is describing her support network and names a close friend. You recognize the name. You saw that person for eighteen months of individual therapy, ending a year and a half ago. This client does not appear to know that.
What do you do in this moment?
Your choice commits. There is no going back to change it.
References
- Canadian Psychological Association. (2017). Canadian code of ethics for psychologists (4th ed.). https://cpa.ca/aboutcpa/committees/ethics/codeofethics/
- College of Psychologists of Ontario. (2022). Standards of professional conduct. https://www.cpo.on.ca/en/public/standards-of-professional-conduct/
- Pope, K. S., Sonne, J. L., & Greene, B. (2006). What therapists don't talk about and why: Understanding taboos that hurt us and our clients. American Psychological Association.