Dr. Jackson HN450 1 Corey, 8e, ©2011, Brooks/ Cole-Cengage Learning

Systems Theory in Couples and Family Therapy Views psychological problems as arising from within the individual’s present environment and the intergenerational family system Corey, 8e, ©2011, Brooks/ Cole-Cengage Learning Corey, 8e, ©2011, Brooks/ Cole-Cengage Learning

Ethical Concerns Ethical Standards of Practice Therapist Values Therapist Responsibility Gender Sensitivity Confidentiality Informed Consent Right to Refuse Treatment

Ethical Standards in Couples and Family Therapy The AAMFT Code of Ethics (2001) provides a framework for many of the ethical issues human service workers are required to know and follow as they relate to the ethics codes of specific professional affiliations on matters concerning couples and family therapy. The eight core areas of the AAMFT’s (2001) code include the following principles: Responsibility to clients (Principle I) Marriage and family therapists advance the welfare of families and individuals. They respect the rights of those persons seeking their assistance, and make reasonable efforts to ensure that their services are used appropriately. 4 Corey, 8e, ©2011, Brooks/ Cole-Cengage Learning

Ethical Standards in Couples and Family Therapy - Continued Confidentiality (Principle II) Marriage and family therapists have unique confidentiality concerns because the client in a therapeutic relationship may be more than one person. Therapists respect and guard confidences of each individual client. Professional competence and integrity (Principle III) Marriage and family therapists maintain high standards of professional competence and integrity. Responsibility to students, employees, and supervisees (Principle IV) Marriage and family therapist do not exploit the trust of dependency of students and supervisees. Corey, 8e, ©2011, Brooks/ Cole-Cengage Learning 5

Ethical Standards in Couples and Family Therapy - Continued Responsibility to research participants (Principle V) Investigators respect the dignity and protect the welfare of research participants, and are aware of federal and state laws and regulations and professional standards governing the conduct of research. Responsibility to the professions (Principle VI) Marriage and family therapists respect the rights and responsibilities of professional colleagues and participate in activities that advance the goals of the profession. Corey, 8e, ©2011, Brooks/ Cole-Cengage Learning 6

Ethical Standards in Couples and Family Therapy - Continued Fees (Principle VII) Marriage and family therapists make financial arrangements with clients, third party payers, and supervisees that are reasonable understandable and conform to accepted professional practices. Advertising (Principle VIII) Marriage and family therapists engage in appropriate informational activities, including those that enable the public, referral sources, or others to choose professional services on an informed basis. Corey, 8e, ©2011, Brooks/ Cole-Cengage Learning 7

Therapist Values and Responsibility Examine your values as it relates to family and marriage. Do not impose your values on your families and couples you counsel Your responsibility is to balance the rights and well being of the individuals with the family as whole

Video Let’s watch a video of a family session We will come back to share your thoughts on the session

Gender Sensitive Assist both male and female participants in therapy move beyond stereotypical roles Examine your values and beliefs about gender

Confidentiality in Couples and Family Therapy Exceptions to confidentiality: When mandated by law When it is necessary to protect clients from harm to self or others When family therapist is a defendant in civil, criminal, or disciplinary action arising from therapy When a waiver has been previously obtained in writing 11 Corey, 8e, ©2011, Brooks/ Cole-Cengage Learning

Informed Consent in Couples and Family Therapy Before therapy begins, the counselor needs to give information to family members about: Purpose of therapy Typical procedures Risks of negative outcomes Possible benefits of therapy The fee structure Limits of confidentiality Rights and responsibilities of clients The option that a family member can withdraw at any time What can be expected from the human service worker (therapist, social worker, psychologist, counselor, etc. ) 12 Corey, 8e, ©2011, Brooks/ Cole-Cengage Learning

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