Ethics I Attraction, Romance, and Sexual Intimacies with Clients and Subordinates

Competent supervisors

encourage their supervisees to self-reflect and openly discuss their feelings

strive to help trainees address all manner of ethical challenges

acknowledge their pervasive occurrence and discuss management options

Sensitive termination and referral

if therapist is unable to control feelings of attraction towards their client

younger

The __________ therapist, the more likely the perceived sexualized behavior directed toward them.

Touch

the most controversial of all boundary crossings

Sex

Both culturally and professionally, touch is associated with ________.

Expressions of emotional support and reassurance, initial greeting or closing of session

Appropriate circumstances for touching

Safest areas of touch (HBS)

Hand, back, shoulders

Boundary violation

When therapists intentionally touch clients with erotic intent, a __________________ has occurred.

Personal gratification

the primary signal of boundary violation

Slippery slope

Once boundaries are crossed, a ___________ does appear to exist.

Male, 40-50's, 15 years older than the client

the most common offender

first sign of deterioration

client expresses wish to extend the relationship and deepen the commitment

Transference-like feelings

emanate from the client's genuine attraction to the therapist as a person

narcissistic, emotionally dependent individual; altered state of consciousness

The lovesick therapist unsympathetically is a ___________________ who enters an ______________ when in the presence of the special client, which then impairs judgement in that case, but not for others.

Response of ridicule

Men do not make formal complaints about being sexually exploited by their female therapist because they fear a ____________ rather than of compassion and concern.

Sexual transgression with clients

Most frequent specific cause for disciplinary action

2 years

Opportunity for sexual relations without professional repercussion after how many years?

Unethical

Is it ethical?

Any statements or actions on the part of the therapist while therapy was active that suggested or invited the possibility of an eventual relationship with a client.

APA and AAMFT

Only organizations to place a ban on sexual relationships after termination, with no exceptions no matter how extraordinary.

Internalized Therapist

- assist clients in coping and integrating processes
- a secure base
- a source of confidence

No, unethical

Is it ethical?

Entering into therapy relationships with former lovers