Law and Ethics Practice Exam

When a therapist receives a request for individual therapy from one partner of a recently separated couple, what is the ethical consideration?

1. Continue therapy regardless of past couple's therapy

2. Evaluate the potential conflict due to prior couple's therapy

3. Request a joint session to clarify concerns about therapy

4. Encourage open communication between the partners

The correct answer is: Evaluate the potential conflict due to prior couple's therapy

The consideration of evaluating the potential conflict due to prior couple's therapy is essential in ensuring that the therapist maintains ethical boundaries and avoids conflicting loyalties. When a therapist has previously worked with both partners in a relationship, they may possess sensitive information and insights about the couple's dynamics that could impact the individual therapy process for one partner. Accepting an individual therapy request without assessing these potential conflicts could lead to a situation where the therapist inadvertently favors one partner, or the therapeutic relationship could be compromised by divided loyalties. Evaluating the conflict allows the therapist to determine whether they can ethically provide individual therapy without compromising their professional integrity or the therapeutic needs of either partner. This careful consideration also helps to protect the interests of both individuals involved and adheres to the ethical practices outlined by various professional bodies, such as the American Psychological Association, which emphasizes the importance of avoiding dual relationships and conflicts of interest.