Citation

Erickson Cornish JA, Smith RD, Holmberg JR, Dunn TM, Siderius LL. Psychotherapy 2019; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Caplan and Earnest.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1037/pst0000248

PMID

31414855

Abstract

The ethics issues involved when clients threaten, stalk, or harass their psychotherapists have generally been neglected in the literature, leaving few psychologists prepared to manage such challenging situations. This article presents 3 clinical vignettes and recommendations resulting from a recent conference in Colorado on this important topic. In essence, the article seeks to address ways psychotherapists can balance the ethical challenges of simultaneously protecting clients and themselves. Each vignette is considered from ethical, clinical, and legal perspectives. Suggestions for the individual practitioner include reference to the principles and standards in the American Psychological Association's Ethics Code, professional consultation, and an increased emphasis on self-care. Recommendations for the profession involve ideas for the American Psychological Association's Ethics Code Task Force as well as a call for further research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Language: en