Psychology

Objective of this Assignment: To assess which ethical guidelines may be violated in the scenario using the 7 step Model for Ethical Decision making and outline potential solutions
Instructions:

Read the following scenario and respond using the 7 Step Model of Ethical Decision Making.

Shawna is a therapist working in a home environment, and the parent has requested that as part of our session we go with them to the grocery store, shopping, and to the child’s swimming lessons. The reason that she wants us to come is that she feels these are problematic times for the family, and would really like some suggestions. Being in new public places can be difficult for the child and often causes him to start screaming. Therefore, she feels that she cannot do the normal things that parents and children do because of this. You know that this would help them function as a normal family and teach the child some skills if you could provide some small suggestions, however, you are worried that this may cause a dual relationship or cross professional boundaries. What would you do?

Template for 7 Step Model
7 Step Ethical Decision Making Model – Bailey
Step 1: Is this covered by the guidelines?

Step 2: What are the risks Involved?

Step 3: Who are the players Involved?

Step 4: What is the Ethics Contingency Plan?

Step 5: The Skills and Clout needed?

Step 6: The Implementation Plan?

Step 7: The evaluation of outcomes

ANSWER

Ethical Decision Making

Family therapy, especially home therapy, can be problematic, especially when the family is involved and the therapist is dealing with multiple family members. Therapists usually struggle with what to disclose to parents on what the children say during therapy. Family activities are a risky situation, but the ethical guidelines address it. The risks fall under the Burch & Bailey (2016) integrity code.

The risk involved in this situation is that the therapist might lose control over the situation, especially by getting personal with the family. Patient doctor relationships are supposed to be maintained and remain within the confines of the doctor’s office. The risk involved in this case is the therapist might get too emotionally attached to the family and lose perspective on the issue.

The players involved in this case are the patient, the child, and the parents. The child is familiar with the therapist as their doctor but is not used to seeing them around their family activities. By getting involved in the family activities, the child might feel like they are being attacked and retreat (Koofer & Hoffman, 2020). The child could also grow dependent on the therapist for them to function, which is not suitable for the family.

The fourth step is the contingency plan. In this case, instead of getting to do swimming lessons and shopping with the patient and his family, the therapist can hold sessions where they address the issues brought forward by the parent. In this case, they can separately address his anxiety in front of crowds or in public spaces.

The skills and clout step involves standing up and understanding the client’s needs and whether or not it is necessary to join the family on the shopping trip.

Implementation of the plan, in this case, involves the decision to be made after the ethical guidelines have been followed. This could involve informing the hospital about the change in routine and billing the insurance company on the extra hours (Board, 2014).

In the last step, evaluating the outcomes of the ethical dilemma and ensuring that the dilemma does not re-occur. In this case, the therapist should look at the outcomes of the decisions made and evaluate the positives and negatives of the situation.

References

Bailey, J., & Burch, M. (2016). Ethics for behavior analysts. Routledge.

Board, B. A. C. (2014). Professional and ethical compliance code for behavior analysts.

Koocher, G. P., & Hoffman, J. S. (2020). Ethical Issues for Psychologists in Medical Settings. The Wiley Encyclopedia of Health Psychology, 345-354.