Walking the Line: Ethical and Educational Concerns for Therapist Self-disclosure Bryn A. Robinson Mary Ann Campbell, PhD University of New Brunswick, Saint John ICCEC Toronto, ON June 1st, 2007

Ethical Decision-Making Process or Constant? Many therapists clear on sexual SD 98% believe it is unacceptable Non-sexual therapist SD is cloudy: 70% therapists = rarely / sometimes appropriate 93% therapists use SD Professional Affective Personal

Many therapists clear on sexual SD

98% believe it is unacceptable

Non-sexual therapist SD is cloudy:

70% therapists = rarely / sometimes appropriate

93% therapists use SD

Objectivity and Self-Disclosure A Fine Balance Subjectivity is framed negatively Objectivity framed as “only option” to promote non-maleficence Suggestions : Modify codes to promote balance Discuss appropriate times for subjectivity & self-disclosure

Subjectivity is framed negatively

Objectivity framed as “only option” to promote non-maleficence

Suggestions :

Modify codes to promote balance

Discuss appropriate times for subjectivity & self-disclosure

Advocated only to promote objectivity … or “after-the-fact” when therapist is too subjective Suggestions : Promote constant self-reflection = therapist considers effective use of objectivity and subjectivity Promoting Self-Reflection An Ongoing Process

Advocated only to promote objectivity

… or “after-the-fact” when therapist is too subjective

Suggestions :

Promote constant self-reflection = therapist considers effective use of objectivity and subjectivity

What is meant by harm? Well-being? Appropriate for aspirational preamble But enforceable standards require greater precision Suggestions : Complement broad terms with specific language to guide use of ethical codes Clarifying Language All-Purpose

What is meant by harm? Well-being?

Appropriate for aspirational preamble

But enforceable standards require greater precision

Suggestions :

Complement broad terms with specific language to guide use of ethical codes

Inadequate coverage of ethical self-disclosure in the classroom In general, clinical students are … Reluctant to discuss therapist reactions / SD Told to use “common sense” to ethically deal The “letter” versus the “spirit” Ethics Training Teaching students self-disclosure

Inadequate coverage of ethical self-disclosure in the classroom

In general, clinical students are …

Reluctant to discuss therapist reactions / SD

Told to use “common sense” to ethically deal

The “letter” versus the “spirit”

Specific SD ethical dilemmas Mock therapy sessions in pairs Alternate roles of client and therapist In-class seminars on real SD dilemmas Teach students to defend use of SD… … and evaluate if SD was warranted Ethics Training Role-Playing Exercises

Specific SD ethical dilemmas

Mock therapy sessions in pairs

Alternate roles of client and therapist

In-class seminars on real SD dilemmas

Teach students to defend use of SD…

… and evaluate if SD was warranted

Overcome perception that self-disclosure is human error or will be punished Encourages collegial discussion and a check that decisions are ethical Interview established professionals and discuss responses in a seminar Ethics Training Promote Dialogue

Overcome perception that self-disclosure is human error or will be punished

Encourages collegial discussion and a check that decisions are ethical

Interview established professionals and discuss responses in a seminar

Self-care is a preventative measure against inappropriate self-disclosure Encourage clinical consultation to foster emotional self-awareness A good habit to start early on! Ethics Training Self-Care Activities

Self-care is a preventative measure against inappropriate self-disclosure

Encourage clinical consultation to foster emotional self-awareness

A good habit to start early on!

Above all.. Ethical decision-making is a process, not instant It is not immediate “common sense” Promote balance of objectivity and subjectivity in written codes Implement more training opportunities to raise students’ awareness of ethical SD Conclusion

Above all..

Ethical decision-making is a process, not instant

It is not immediate “common sense”

Promote balance of objectivity and subjectivity in written codes

Implement more training opportunities to raise students’ awareness of ethical SD