Clinical social work, ethics, decision-making, social, therapeutic relationship, professional boundaries, confidential information, professional limits, permission, guidelines, Code of Ethics, transparency, dilemma
Ethical dilemmas in clinical social work have increased, especially concerning private subjects and issues like relationship difficulties. Thus, this paper tries to apply the principles of ethical decision-making to a particular case involving Harry and Suzie, a heterosexual couple who are under therapy for their relationship problems. Central to this scenario is the disclosure of confidential and potentially harmful information by Harry, one of the partners, to their therapist. This fact places essential considerations regarding the respect of secret conservation, trust inside the therapeutic relationship, and holding professional limits.
[...] Conclusion In conclusion, the case study presents complex ethical decision-making questions in the realm of clinical social work through the application of moral principles in balancing these delicate scales between confidentiality and the trust of the client, Harry and Suzie, with their well-being. The best interests of the people under their care come first in the context of maintaining professional standards through transparency in breach of confidentiality, open communication, and encouragement of clients' independence. This is a very good case of how ethical competence and careful ethical deliberation in the face of dilemmas in clinical social work practice are of critical importance. [...]
[...] In such an application, these ethical concepts ensure that the therapist acts as prescribed by professional standards. On the other hand, the client's best interests are looked into. The other major concept of importance in ethical decision-making, in this case, is autonomy. Autonomy underlines the respect that should be forwarded to the choices and the decisions made by the client while making informed decisions and choices (Varkey, 2021). Thus, the therapist has to empower Harry and Suzie by ensuring that they balance their participation. [...]
[...] Review the Relevant Ethics Codes In a review of the relevant ethics codes, a number of principles and guidelines emerge as having bearing in the ethical decision-making process in this case, among them being the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics. It expounds on the standards guiding practice in social work and ethical conduct requirements. Principle 1.07 under Privacy and Confidentiality underscores the need to protect the client's right to privacy and maintain confidentiality unless there is some compelling reason to disclose information to prevent serious, foreseeable, and imminent harm to a client or others (NASW, 2021). [...]
[...] Step Making a Decision In the process of decision-making, the therapist should be guided by an ethics-allowed priority that is accorded to the interests of Harry and Suzie (Haslam & DePaul, 2019). This would include identifying the breach of confidentiality by Harry and reminding him how important it is to the client in relating to the therapeutic relationship with trust and privacy. There has to be free and open communication between the therapist and the two partners, for instance, in the kind of text messages they exchange. [...]
[...] References American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. In American Psychological Association. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/ethics/code/ethics-code-2017.pdf Haslam, L., & DePaul, V. (2019). Case Study Application of an Ethical Decision-Making Process for a Fragility Hip Fracture Patient. [...]
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