Avoiding Ethical Pitfalls

PSY 305 - Professional Orientation in Psychology

 In the world today, there are so many misunderstandings within the ethical

world even in the field of Psychology. Although many articles surrounding ethical

issues in Psychology one particular article stuck out the most, it is called "10

Ways Practitioners Can Avoid Frequent Ethical Pitfalls." The reason that this

article caught my attention the most is that it not only gives you some common

knowledge about ethical issues but it includes advice on how to dodge these

types of issues. The best experts in the field have acknowledged that the best

defense against any ethical dilemmas is having a good offense. A few moral

complications that happen frequently include misunderstandings, individuals

getting their feelings hurt, and any altercations that often end up in lawsuits, loss

of license, or hearings before ethics boards. A statement made by Robert

Kinscherff, JD, Ph.D., former chair of APA's Ethics Committee, "instead of

worrying about the ways [they] can get in trouble; psychologists should think

about ethics as a way of asking 'How can I be even better in my practice?' He

also continued to explain, "good ethical practice is good professional practice,

which is good risk management practice." These tips are bound to keep your

career and practice as sharp as ever.

Understanding what ethical issues are is the first step to learning how to

avoid them. Ethical issues can be anything that may come out and sound the

wrong way, even if one does not mean it the way it was said it can still be taken

the opposite way. Many people deal with these types of conflicts today mainly

because feelings do become hurt far too quickly. No matter what field of work you

take up or what kinds of people you work with, one will surely have a run in with
this type of problem. Ethical conflict is wrapped all around a misunderstanding.

Nowadays, everyone needs to be well aware of what they say and who they say

it around. It is very easy to let anything get a little too far.

One way to avert ethical problems is to protect confidentiality. While working

in the Psychology field, many Psychologists are regularly asked to share

information about their clients especially to any employers to be specific. In order

to help prevent any confidentiality issues, Psychologists need to know both the

federal and state laws, comply all mandatory reporting laws, and it may be

appropriate to review the restrictions of confidentiality. It is hazardous to give out

any type of information at all, let alone a patient or client that you are responsible

for treating. The relationships between Psychologists and clients, or even

counselors and clients are based on confidentiality. One would not want to put

their client or themselves at risk by disobeying that agreement. According to

Steven Sparta, Ph.D., immediate past-chair of APA's Ethics Committee, "It's only

an ethical problem when there's a reasonable basis to see a foreseeable risk,

and the psychologist fails to see it or ignores it and goes forth anyway." Which is

a very relevant piece of information because if a Psychologist is dealing with a

problem and does nothing about it to help the situation, then it will only hinder the

future of one's career and practice.

Another way to avert any possible ethical issues is to document anything and

everything. Having proper documentation of everything will help to make

information stable and helps make sense of everything going on. It is already an

important factor to keep records of your patients such as any medical and
personal history, medical status, dates of specific services, and follow-up reports.

Steven Sparta, Ph.D. says, "The process of writing helps [psychologists]

crystallize in their own mind what they are saying about the problem. It helps

pinpoint when things don't make sense or where they need to get more

information." Having the proper documentation of everything will also prevent any

altercations or misunderstandings from going down hill. I believe that the main

reason it is important to document every matter is to have proof of the events that

took place and how they took place.

One primary and most crucial way to help one dodge ethical conflicts is to

fully respect your clients and patients. Being respectful with your words as well as

your actions, and always speaking in the appropriate manner will save a great

deal of struggle when it comes to ethical issues. One reason being, many

individuals, might take things the wrong way especially of they feel threatened or

like they are being disrespected. Respect itself plays a significant role in the

Psychologist and client relationship. Just like any well-educated Psychologist you

are to know given responsibilities well and the major one is to treat the patient

with the help and respect they deserve. Understanding your role as a

Psychologist and analyzing your client's role as a patient is a major factor is

equally important. As Robert Kinscherff, JD, Ph.D. States, "knowing who your

client is, what your role is and being transparent about what it is that you do and

mindful about the professional boundaries that arise are useful guideposts to

effective practice." It is important to lay out these certain boundaries so no

situation where any misunderstandings and unprofessional behavior can be

allowed to take place at any given time.

In conclusion, as the world of Psychology goes through so many different

types of ethical issues on a daily basis, it is only necessary to take the proper

precautions and learn how to avert these problems. By learning about the steps

to take and what to do if an individual situation is to happen, one will surely

succeed at staying out of the ethical issues light. With the help of articles like this

one in particular one will be sure to be as prepared and professional at all times.

While protecting confidentiality, giving your client the respect and privacy they

deserve, and knowing boundaries as a professional there should be no reason to

attain any conflicts especially ethical problems. According to Stephen Behnke,

JD, Ph.D., there is one strategy that will help to decrease the risk of having any

ethical and legal problems in one's future and that is, "be the best psychologist

you can be."

References

Smith, D. (2003). 10 Ways Practitioners Can Avoid Frequent Ethical Pitfalls.

Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/monitor/jan03/10ways.aspx