Therapeutic and forensic roles

Document Type:Coursework

Subject Area:Psychology

Document 1

If she is then there would be no issue however, if she was not licensed any more than it would be illegal and unethical for her to conduct any professional psychological work. The next question that arises is that of multiple relationships. As it was the professional’s husband’s boss, this would cause ethical issues relating to multiple relationships. This poses a conflict of interest described under Ethical Guideline 3. 06 Conflict of Interest (American Psychological Association, 2010). In this scenario, it may be hard for her to do so. For one the boss has already placed the idea that the husband suffers mental health issues. This may lead her to place undue biases or judgments before she even begins the evaluation. Also with the multiple relationships, she may feel herself trying to prove the boss’s case.

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If I were in this situation I would refuse to conduct the evaluation. Such treatments are provided in hopes that the patient is able to heal or recover from mental illnesses or addictions to controlled substances. What sets forensic psychologists apart from other fields are the ethical differences that practitioners have to uphold with their respective clients. Additionally, forensic psychologists have to disclose findings to the entity that has retained the psychologist for assessments, interviews, and any tests or examinations that are required to be able to treat the client properly. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the various ethical dilemmas that include dual relationships, psychologist-client confidentiality, and informed consent. A counseling therapist, for example, cannot and should not disclose any information regarding the client without prior written consent and in some cases a court order.

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First, let us add the stipulation that this client has been referred by the court. So, the relationship between psychologist and client is clearly defined and established during the bookkeeping process, and when contracts and agreements are signed and made official. From there, while it is not expected, a bond is initiated between both parties that consist of trust and confidentiality. During the time that this relationship moves forward, the client has opened up, spilled feelings that are unknown to everyone else, and the client is depending on you to make him look like gold when the time comes to stand in front of the judge. For instance, “a therapist in events of suspicion such as sexual abuse, physical or self-harm is expected to dishonor confidentiality and in the case that their testimony is needed by court action, then the therapeutic role is questioned by the client (Heltzel, 2007).

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05 (a) Multiple Relationships”. According to American psychological association Code of Ethics, “A psychologist avoids engaging into numerous relationship in the event where the multiple relationships are expected to reasonably impair the psychologist's competence, objectivity, or effectiveness in handling his or her duties as a psychologist, or rather inducing the risks exploitation to the party with whom the professional relationship is made. This standard is often misinterpreted in my opinion, only because as psychologists we have to build relationships with our clients. The issue with that knows the boundaries in which you can provide treatment and not operate outside of said boundaries. As I learned through my venture in the Marine Corps, there is always a reason behind every rule, regulation, standard or law.

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Standing in front of a judge as an expert witness, detailing diagnosis and progress can easily be disregarded the minute something other than a professional relationship is mentioned. Not only does it make you look like a fool, but it also damages any credibility you might have as a forensic psychologist. Conflict with Reconciling Dual Roles As proven by the research that Greenberg (1997) conducted, dual roles can implicate several difficulties that can potentially arise from a therapeutic therapist that decides to create a dual relationship and takes on a forensic role as well. Therapeutic psychologists may find it to be quite difficult to maintain the common role that opposes the role of a forensic psychologist. In 2008, Christopher Nolan, an acclaimed director with a precise creative vision, produced and directed "The Dark Knight" which is considered today to be a masterpiece and a piece of art that will never be replicated.

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While a therapeutic therapist may have more significant information that can possibly sway a decision in a court setting, the judge may find it to be subjective from a particular perspective. This can be applied to a psychologist who is assuming dual roles, any examination results may be deemed not credible, The argument for a Forensic Stance So here comes the question that has been anticipated throughout this argumentative paper. So, what exactly is a Forensic Psychologist By definition, forensic psychologists practice psychology in the realms of the criminal justice system and or civil courts if needed. Forensic psychologists can also treat patients who are in need of treatment outside of both the criminal and civil system. The interest lies solely in understanding why certain behaviors come to fruition, or in some cases minimize these behaviors.

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