Professional Documents
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During a
group session of mixed gender children, a 6-year old boy, comes and sits in Darlene's lap. Even
though she was surprised and felt a little shocked, she did not ask the boy to get off of her lap.
This is because she has seen other therapist in the same situation.
The ATRA Code of Ethics would be relevant in this situation. Principle One, beneficence,
would be relevant. This principle states that the therapist needs to protect her clients from
harm while also maximizing benefits. By having the child sit next to her instead of on her
lap, Darlene would be doing that.
Principle Two, non-maleficence, would be relevant. Darlene would be using her best
judgement and knowledge to know that having a child sit on her lap could cause harm, and
having him sit next to her instead would prevent said harm.
Principle Three, autonomy, would be less relevant. A six-year-old child would be less
involved in making their own decisions. However, it could be important to allow the child to
choose to not sit next to Darlene by providing him with alternatives to choose from.
Principle Four, justice, would also be relevant. Darlene would need to be fair to the
children by not letting any child sit on her lap, rather than allowing specific children to do so
but not others.
Principle Five, fidelity, would be less relevant. Darlene’s first obligation is to her clients,
then to her institution. She would show that obligation by doing what is best for the child,
not letting him sit on her lap.
Principle Six, veracity, would be less relevant as well. Darlene would simply need to be
honest with the child by telling him he couldn’t sit on her lap, and explaining why.
Principle Seven, informed consent, could also be relevant. This would apply when
Darlene makes it clear to the children what the boundaries and rules of the group are. The
children would then choose to participate or not, with an understanding of the expectations
of their behavior.
Principle Eight, confidentiality and privacy, is less relevant to this situation. Darlene
would need to make sure she didn’t discuss the details of this situation with anyone other
than her supervisor, should she see fit.
Principle Nine, competence, could be relevant in this scenario. Darlene would need to
have enough knowledge about working with children, specifically those who were sexually
abused, to understand the effects that having a child sit on her lap would have.
Principle Ten, compliance with laws and regulations, would be less relevant to this
situation. As long as Darlene was following laws and regulations, which it seems she is,
there would not be an issue with this principle.