Ethical Dilemma Resolution Presentation
Ethical dilemma
Chalyne Arvie
CPSS330
Erick Lear
10Sept2018
Overview of the case study
The mental health professional’s client is female offender in a correctional institution
She willingly pursued treatment for prior traumatic incident involving domestic violence and sexual abuse.
The perpetrator is her ex-boyfriend
The ex-boyfriend is facing ongoing investigations
Overview of the case study
She is afraid of testifying against him
She has however shared this information with the mental health professional during the treatment sessions.
The prosecutor contacts the mental health professional asking for information concerning the case
The mental health professional has a complete issue of information signed by the client
The client’s sister has also requested to be called by the professional, concerning this issue and has left a message
Ethical goals
Ethical decisions that are strongly supported by one or more of these principles without any contradiction from others may be regarded as reasonably well founded. However, practitioners will encounter circumstances in which it is impossible to reconcile all the applicable principles and choosing between principles may be required.
4
Integrity
Responsibility
Trustworthiness
Morality
Ethical dilemma
Ethical dilemma is a problem solving paradox in which an individual has to choose between possible moral obligations, with neither of the decisions being explicitly conventional or superior(Prilleltensky, Dokecki, Frieden, & Wang, 2007).
The complication sprouts from the situational engagement in which choosing one leads to the transgression of the other.
A decision or course of action does not necessarily become unethical merely because it is contentious or other practitioners would have reached different conclusions in similar circumstances. A practitioner’s obligation is to consider all the relevant circumstances with as much care as is reasonably possible and to be appropriately accountable for decisions made.
5
Ethical dilemmas in this case
The mental health professional is obliged to maintain secrecy of the client’s sessions
The client was sexually abused and violated and has information that could lead to the prosecution of the perpetrator. She is afraid of testifying
The mental health professional can decide whether to offer this vital information to the prosecutor or abide to the secrecy of the client.
There is also a dilemma of what the client’s sister wants, in regards to the case
Ethical dilemma in this case
The practitioner’s personal moral qualities are of the utmost importance to clients. Many of the personal qualities considered important in the provision of services have an ethical or moral component and are therefore considered as virtues or good personal qualities. It is inappropriate to prescribe that all practitioners possess these qualities, since it is fundamental that these personal qualities are deeply rooted in the person concerned and developed out of personal commitment rather than the requirement of an external authority.
7
Secrecy
Whistleblowing
Leaks
Lying
Ambiguity
Ethics and communication
Ethical communication is all about the conveyance of adequate and relevant information using the correct procedures and regulations(Kitchener, 1984).
It is true and accurate
It avoids manipulation, discrimination and exaggeration
Communication ethics concerns not only the individual, but is of great concern to businesses, corporations, and professional entities. A business with unethical communication practices is not as effective as one with ethical communication practices.
8
Barriers to effective communication
Withholding vital information(Delany, Richards, Stewart, & Kosta)
Lack of a clear course of action
Selective misquoting and accuracy of information
Violation of client’s secrecy and trust
Obstruction of justice
Conflicting policies and procedures
One of the key elements in learning communication skills is to discover how to protect oneself adequately while reducing unnecessary defensiveness.
9
The handling of sensitive information requires compliance with confidentiality and the use of ethical procedures(Bodenhorn, 2006)
All interactions with Counseling Services, including scheduling of or attendance at appointments, content of your sessions, progress in counseling, consultation during supervision and your records are confidential.
10
Ethical communication with the family members
I would call back the sister and ask her what she believes to be the best way forward for this case, in order to establish her views
If I can assure the safety of my client, I would try to convince her and her family that testifying is the best solution.
If I can’t assure their safety, I would advice them against testifying
References
Bodenhorn, N. (2006). Exploratory study of common and challenging ethical dilemmas experienced by professional school counselors. Professional School Counseling, 195-202.
Delany, C., Richards, A., Stewart, H., & Kosta, L. (n.d.). Five challenges to ethical communication for interprofessional paediatric practice: A social work perspective. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 2017.
Kitchener, K. (1984). Intuition, critical evaluation and ethical principles: The foundation for ethical decisions in counseling psychology. The Counseling Psychologist, 43-55.
Prilleltensky, I., Dokecki, P., Frieden, G., & Wang, V. (2007). Counseling for wellness and justice: Foundations and ethical dilemmas.