Posted by jay on October 7, 2003, at 22:50:29
In reply to Re: Please read...Code of Ethics For Jay» jay, posted by pinkeye on October 7, 2003, at 22:01:05
I honestly think folks don't quite understand the intricacies of therapy. The line between a casual relationship and a professional one is quite distinct for those who have practiced social work. So, I've been talking to a few other of my colleagues about the issue, and they very much echo mine. It is not about having a sterile relationship with your client. I think most of you have read me the wrong way.
Anyhow...here are the couple of notes from fellow social workers...and names are omitted of course.:
This is from the head of Social Work at a major U.S. school:
1) "Some times just restating the fact in a very unemotional, nonjudgmental tone
"So you are feeling a romantic attraction to me?" Works effectively.And next the counselor should tell them that if may be appropriate to refer
them to someone else for counseling. I wouldn't terminate them at that
point, maybe try to make them understand transference and how common these
things can be but they are inappropriate from the counselors point of view.
The other issue is they are going to feel some rejection, so it's an
opportunity to deal with those issues too."2) "First, I think it depends on the type of social work you're doing. Ethics is ethics, but responses will vary depending on whether you're doing therapy, working with children, making resource referrals, working for managed care, etc.
My gut feeling is it's not a problem if a patient develops an attachment to the therapist; this is grist for the therapy mill. The problem is when the therapist develops an attachment to the patient. If you're not highly experienced in managing these feelings, supervision is the best approach."
FWIW, my two cents.
C.
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My main point being, is besides counsellors, clients must take some responsibility for how their actions could affect the professional/client relationship. This is not just an ethical argument, but a legal one also. It differs in many places, but a counsellor can be charged for appearing to any way 'entice' the client. Plus, especially for sexual abuse survivors, this can be deeply dangerous ground. There is plenty of time to socialize out in public or at a bar, but a professional is being paid good money to utilize very complex and intricate skills.Anyhow, I am feeling kinda wiped from all of this, am not looking for a "fight", so let's just say I understand you, and you understand me.
Sincerely,
Jay
poster:jay
thread:266267
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20030925/msgs/266595.html