Posted by Peter S on November 12, 2000, at 13:48:51
In reply to Re: Uhh.....welll......., posted by coral on November 12, 2000, at 8:40:42
Dear Coral,
Thanks for your reply. No of course it doesn't make sense to pin the "blame" for someone's suicide on someone else. What I'm saying is that to obtain a license in California (where I live) to be a Marriage and Family Therapist you must abide by certain ethical principles. If you cannot uphold these principles then your license will be revoked. It is an ethical principle to not cause harm to a client. It is true that relationships are very complex, and that the definition of harm is subjective. However because the therapist role by nature involves influencing the client, it is their responsibility to monitor themselves and make sure what they are doing does not cause harm.
Of course there are degrees of harm (sex with a client, breach of confidentiality), some merit a slap on the wrist and others actual revoking of the license. I think what my therapist did is more on the slap on the wrist end, but if he continues to do things like that then more serious action should be taken.
Some therapists need to be reminded that the licensing process exists for a reason and that they are not really "alone" in the room with the client. Clients need to know that they have recourse if they feel that a therapist is acting unethically. This is not to encourage frivolousness about this kind of thing, and hopefully the first step is to work it out within the relationship.
****Regarding admission to a hospital for suicidality: I worked in a clinic where we saw a lot of people without insurance (besides SSI or SSDI) These were the people who had trouble getting into the hospital unless they could "prove" that they were really suicidal or homicidal.Thanks for the opportunity to discuss this- I think it is an important topic.
Peter
> Dear Peter,
>
> I may well have misunderstood. On the issue of suicide, I'm not trying to absolve anyone of their professional responsibility, and wholeheartedly disagree with the concept that if someone in therapy does commit suicide, he/she failed therapy. On the other hand, if someone does commit suicide, is it anyone's fault? That's obviously a philosophical discussion for the ages.
> I don't know what state you're in, but in Michigan, it's extremely easy to get someone committed for observation. A spouse can do it, and even an employer can do it.
> If I may be so bold, it seems that the therapist's insensitive response to your statement of suicide was symptomatic of your relationship with him and he was not meeting your needs. That alone is sufficient reason to find another therapist. I admire your willingness to discuss it with him and hopefully he will improve with future clients.
> Best of luck in your recovery and finding another therapist.
> Coral
poster:Peter S
thread:47978
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001102/msgs/48719.html