POINT
Effective KIM FEENEY, MSW, LISW, RPT-S
When considering whether to accept a parent as an additional client, play therapists should abide by the state laws and professional ethics governing their profession. When no conflict appears in these laws and ethical codes, the play therapist may consider being the parent’s
Less Repetition and Confusion A parent having the same therapist as the child means that history therapist is already aware of some of the presenting issues. This result for the cost of therapy. Also, if there are inconsistencies among perceptions and experiences of family members, these will be more quickly noted when the therapist is the same person.
Greater Congruity Therapists have different theoretical orientations, styles, and personalities. Although these differences can be valuable, in combination, they mayleadtocontradictionsfor thefamily members, incorporating what they have learned in therapy, may be coming from very different perspectives, and therefore, be confused and unsure of how best to apply their new insights.
An example would be one therapist recommending exploring the individual’s or family’s historical pattern of dealing with stress, Seeing only one therapist may prevent these types of situations. Furthermore, although the therapist is committed to the needs of whomever they are meeting with at the time, the same therapist
THE MIDDLE GROUND
Ethical Considerations for Treatment of both Parent and Child JESSICA WACHS, MSW, LCSW, RPT
Reinert et al. (2021) indicated an increase in mental health needs nationwide for youth and adults, and a lack of states’ abilities to respond to this crisis. This leaves many individuals and families without mental health care or on extensive waitlists. A parent may request to be seen by the child’s therapist, especially if mental health resources multitude of reasons, including having a preexisting rapport with the therapist, established insurance or fee agreements, and the potential to impact multiple facets of a family system.
However, taking on a child’s parent as a separate client could on key areas of the ethics involved prior to proceeding. Seeking appropriatesupervision/consultationishighlyencouraged.
16 | PLAYTHERAPY | December 2021 |
www.a4pt.org
Ethical Considerations In both play therapy and other professional ethical codes, the original client is the clinician’s main concern, and decisions should be based on a vulnerable population and their well-being should be prioritized. If seeing a parent may harm the therapeutic relationship, the clinician must reconsider taking the parent as a client. Also, some state laws may prohibit what could be considered a dual relationship in treating multiple members of a family individually.
commits to composing a mosaic in the wholistic treatment of the family. For example, there have been times when I have seen a parent and child, each individually, to focus on their issues, in addition to joint family sessions. Although I was focused on their individual needs in individual sessions, each felt that I was attuned to their desire that solutions ultimately needed to be congruent and in the interest of both.
Greater Trust may be more trusting of the therapist’s competency in meeting later with another family member. Similarly, if a member of the family has liked the work the therapist did with another member of the family, they may feel comfortable going to the same therapist, thus reducing barriers to services (Schuyler, 2006).
Limited Resources without a provider and in the provider-to-population ratios in rural areas. all interested family members to seek a sole provider. license.
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