Addressing Ethical Issues
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Addressing Ethical Issues
Introduction
In couple and family therapy, the focus is on relationships, interactions, and the dynamics within the system. In such therapy sessions, the therapists must try their best to maintain a balanced trust and relationship with all members involved (Schaer & Steinlin, 2020). The therapist must be fair and try to do justice to their individual wishes. Couple and family therapy sessions usually entail solving conflicts. These individuals normally present themselves with a conflict of interest that they have failed to resolve. Therapists are required to be compliant with The NASW Code of Ethics when solving such issues (NASW, 2021). This paper will focus on the NASW Code of Ethics and try to solve the problem identified in the presented case study.
Case study 2 is selected for the completion of this assignment. It is about Nicole and Julia, two females who are currently experiencing a problem with their relationship. The two are afraid that the problems and kind of strain they currently experience may lead them to a break-up. The two females are a couple and one feels that the other one is not being faithful. The ethical issue in this case study is that the couple has conflicted perspectives regarding how their relationship should work. While one prefers a non-monogamous relationship, the other feels that it is not right for the partner to engage in a sexual relationship with others. The major ethical issue here is that the therapist’s personal opinion regarding the role of monogamy in a relationship conflicts with the patient’s current relationship practice (Editorial, 2015). The therapist needs to be very careful when addressing this issue so that the patients may not feel as if their cultural beliefs are diminished.
The NASW Code of Ethics provides guidelines on how to handle various ethical dilemmas in healthcare. The NASW Code of Ethics is a set of standards that guide the professional conduct of social workers (NASW, 2021). This code of ethics sets principles, values, and standards to guide decision-making and conduct when ethical issues arise. In situations when conflicting obligations arise; social workers may be faced with complex ethical dilemmas that have no simple answers (Editorial, 2015). Social workers should take into consideration all the values, principles, and standards in this Code that are relevant to any situation in which ethical judgment is warranted.
One of the ethical values of a social worker is service to patients. The NASW ethical principle states that social workers’ primary goal is to assist those who indeed address their social problems (Schaer & Steinlin, 2020). Based on this principle, it is important to try and help Julia and Nicole understand the kind of relationship they are in and the possible consequences and advantages associated with it. During the therapy sessions, it is important to be professional and neutral without bending on one side. The NASW Code of Ethics states that social workers should behave in a trustworthy manner and that they should act honestly and responsibly and promote ethical practices on the part of the organizations in which they serve (Editorial, 2015). Therefore, it is important, to be honest with this couple and inform them about possible choices they can make to improve their relationship.
As a social worker, it would be very important to work in collaboration with other social workers and even interdisciplinary groups to try and help the couple. This is one way of putting their interest ahead. According to the NAWS code of ethics, social workers’ primary responsibility is to enhance the well-being of their clients (NASW, 2021). Clients’ interests should be placed above personal or institutional interests. This solution would show commitment to clients. By working in collaboration with others, the patients can be helped (Schaer & Steinlin, 2020). However, the NASW code of ethics recommends informed consent as an important standard of practice.
It is important to inform the two clients of every step being taken, including the associated benefits and alternatives, if any. The NASW Code of ethics asserts that social workers should provide services, only in the context of a professional relationship based (NASW, 2021). Social workers use clear and understandable language to explain to clients about the aim of survives provided, risks related to the services, costs related issues, among other things. Furthermore, it would be necessary to encourage the couple and urge them to adhere to the therapy guidelines and advice provided to enable them to solve their issues.
Conclusion
The presented case is not a simple issue to solve. It requires both social work skills, ethics, and critical thinking to solve. Social workers will always encounter ethical dilemmas and they will always be required to solve them. The NASW code of ethics is a very important tool to help social workers navigate complex ethical dilemmas when they arise. This paper has discussed the presented case study, ethical issues, and possible solutions.
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Reference
Editorial. (2015). Special Issue: Ethics in Couple and Family Therapy. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 36, 403–408. https://doi.org/10.1002/anzf.1132
NASW. (2021). Read the Code of Ethics. https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English
Schaer, M., & Steinlin, C. (2020). Ethics in couple and family psychotherapy. The Oxford Handbook of Psychotherapy Ethics. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780198817338.013.63