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Chance Encounters of the Awkward Kind

August 11, 2010 by

What are the ethical implications of how we handle encounters with clients or their families outside the clinical setting? How do we decide where to draw the line in such encounters? Are there any ways to minimize their occurrence, or to prevent unnecessary clinical complications? How can we prevent them from becoming problematic dual relationships?

OUTLINE

I. “Chance Encounter”

A. a “coming upon” unexpectedly

B. an “accidental intersecting”

C. an unplanned, unanticipated crossing of paths

II. Important Distinctions

A. Does This ” Encounter” Create a “Dual Relationship” ?

B. Was it Avoidable or Unavoidable?

C. Was This Really “Chance” ? If Not, Who Created It? Why?

D. Continuum: Slightly awkward ? Downright Paralyzing

III. What Does My Ethics Code Say About This?

IV. Does This Have Legal Implications?

V. How Can Forethought Help?

A. Expect it

B. Prepare yourself

C. Prepare your clients

D. Avoid over-disclosure or unnecessary shifts in boundaries

E. De-brief (e.g., with colleague, consultant, or supervisor)

F. Process the encounter with the client in the next session

VI. Clinical Vignettes


Educational Goals:
(a) Give examples of “chance encounters” with clients that might create ethical dilemmas.
(b) Indicate which of these might be “avoidable” and which are “unavoidable.”
(c) Describe how they might create unnecessary ethical, clinical, or legal complications.
(d) Describe how each of these might be handled well in ways that avoid unnecessary complications.

Filed Under: Workshop Archives

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Upcoming CE Workshops

  • Should I Write it Down?: Ethical and Legal Ramifications of Documentation Decisions
    • Wednesday, April 5, 2023
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  • Should I Write it Down?: Ethical and Legal Ramifications of Documentation Decisions
    • Wednesday, April 26, 2023
    • Zoom Interactive Workshop
  • Boundaries and Dual Relationships: Where Can We Go Astray, and Why?
    • Monday, May 15, 2023
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    • Thursday, June 8, 2023
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continuing education for American Psychological Association The Center for Ethical Practice is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Center maintains responsibility for this program and its content.


continuing education for National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) The Center for Ethical Practice has been approved by National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) as an Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP No. 6768). The Center is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified.


continuing education Association of Social Work BoardsThe Center for Ethical Practice (provider 1287), is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 3/21/2021-3/21/2024.

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