A216 Shhh! The Ethical Dilemmas No One Talks About

Get straightforward, practical insights for dealing with the thorniest practice issues you’ll ever face: self-disclosure, sexual attraction, gifts, and dual relationships, among others.

Mary Jo Barrett, M.S.W

CE Credits: 4
Audio Only: MP3 Download: $39
Audio Only: CDs: $49 (+$5 Shipping)
Add 4 CE Credit Hours: $39

The ethical guidelines for therapists were once governed by simple, direct, utterly unambiguous rules. But in today's far more informal therapeutic climate, with greater latitude afforded the therapist, the old rules don't seem so clear anymore. This course will openly explore the ethical dilemmas we face around boundaries involving such issues as self-disclosure, sexuality, gifts, and dual relationships. We'll examine how to respond to a range of challenging clinical situations including handling personal questions from clients, practicing therapy in your home, meeting clients outside of the therapy office, and dealing with sexual attraction. You'll come away with clearer ideas for establishing boundary guidelines at the beginning of treatment and reestablishing them if and when boundary violations seem imminent. Note: This course fulfills many state board requirements for training in ethics and risk management.

Meet The Instructor

Mary Jo Barrett, M.S.W., is director of the Center for Contextual Change in Skokie, Illinois, and teaches at the University of Chicago. She's the author of Systemic Treatment of Incest and Treating Incest: A Multiple Systems Perspective.

Course Contents

Session 1: Historical Perspective of Ethical Boundaries in Practice • Reviewing the past with respect to professional and personal life style and practice style, and how these change impact our practice

Session 2: Compassion Fatigue • Defining and understanding the theoretical and practical impact of Compassion Fatigue in maintaining healthy personal and professional boundaries

Session 3: In-Session Boundaries • Exploring the challenges of self-disclosure, gift-giving, sexual boundaries, and safety for both client and therapist in the office and during session

Session 4: Out of Session Boundaries • Exploring the challenges of small-town practice, "client sightings" outside of the office, invitations to celebratory events, and dual-relationship struggles • Each session will include discussion and consultation in order for participants to resolve boundary dilemmas and apply material immediately to their practice

Learning Objectives

1. Discuss the history and context of the creation and possible violation of ethical boundaries.
2. Identify professional vulnerabilities with respect to boundary violation.
3. Create a workable model for maintaining healthy boundaries through consultation and self- care.
4. Describe the role of compassion fatigue with respect to healthy boundaries.
5. Receive and provide consultation on cases.

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