Law and Ethics Practice Exam

How should a therapist ethically manage a situation where a client is seeing both individual and couple's therapy?

1. Obtain a release from her and her husband to speak to her couple's therapist to develop a treatment plan.

2. Begin therapy with her immediately.

3. Tell her that it is not ethical to see two therapists at the same time.

4. Begin therapy with her and obtain a signed release from her to speak to the couple's therapist.

The correct answer is: Begin therapy with her and obtain a signed release from her to speak to the couple's therapist.

In situations where a client is engaged in both individual and couple's therapy, ethical considerations are paramount to ensure the client's wellbeing and the integrity of the therapeutic process. The correct choice emphasizes the importance of communication and coordination between therapists while still prioritizing the client's confidentiality and autonomy. By beginning therapy with the client and obtaining a signed release to speak with the couple's therapist, the therapist upholds ethical practices by allowing for collaboration while still respecting the client's privacy. This action helps ensure that both therapeutic approaches are aligned and can support each other's goals, thereby minimizing the risk of conflicting advice or therapeutic agendas. By having the client sign a release, the therapist safeguards the client's confidentiality while opening a line of communication that can enrich the therapeutic experience. This collaborative approach acknowledges the complexities of the client's situation and seeks to create a more cohesive treatment plan that respects the dynamics of both therapeutic relationships. In contrast, immediate commencement of therapy without coordination could lead to potential issues, such as differing therapeutic goals or misunderstandings that may harm the client's progress. Advising against seeing two therapists simultaneously dismisses the reality that many clients can benefit from different modalities, emphasizing the necessity of proper management instead.