The Ethical Lives of Clients: Our Role as Therapists

Whether to divorce, to cut off a difficult family member, to keep or reveal a family secret, to end or continue an affair—clients seek our input as they grapple with a wide range of ethical dilemmas. But our field is largely silent on the ethical part of clients’ lives, including when client actions may harm others in their lives. This presentation breaks new ground on the role of the therapist as an “ethical consultant.” Learn to apply traditional therapist skills to an area that many of us are skittish about because we are concerned about respecting client autonomy.

• Discuss common ethical issues that adult clients present with in everyday practice.
• Identify core skills for consulting with clients about ethical dilemmas.

Bill Doherty, PhD