An Ethical Obligation SHELLEY COLEMAN, MA, LPC-S, RPT™
Receiving a subpoena to appear in court is anxiety provoking for a a family who is involved in active litigation, for fear of engagement uphold the ethics of our licensing standards and serve our clients without discrimination. Many of us, however, have limited experience working with clients who
are involved in active litigation. By understanding and maintaining our licensing standards, we are able to protect our livelihoods and the protections and limitations of our liability insurance and the
In a recent Counseling Today article, Taylor (2024) addressed this of education is a barrier to both serving our clients and “representing states that we are must only practice where “appropriately trained and
As professionals, we must therefore challenge ourselves to grow our When considering working with a family who is involved in litigation, a therapist must consider the legal environment of the child. At times, we may seek legal and clinical consultation to support our practice
Proceed… with Boundaries Boundaries are “expectations and needs'' that allow us to stay mentally boundary to be considered is the number of cases the play therapist is currently managing on their caseload that are engaged in active litigation. Given the excessive demands play therapists experience in time. The therapist will need to ask questions about active litigation during the initial contact in order to make an informed decision about the capacity of their caseload to potentially take on another case.
Moving forward, the play therapist can work to avoid future challenges and parent resistance by providing clear expectations of parent engagement during the intake (Jeon & Myers, 2023). This may include working to include both parents in the initial meeting, providing a clear structure for communication with the therapist and educating the parents on the importance of parent engagement in the child’s play therapy. These expectations may be extended to other collaborative
COUNTER POINT
concerns, we can make the best possible decision as to our ability to serve a client or family without discrimination and within the scope
As play therapists, we also frequently educate clients on clinical same standard should be applied to clients who are being served by clear on our limitations. For instance, as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas, I am not able to “offer an expert opinion or recommendation relating to the conservatorship of or possession of or access to a child” as noted in the BHEC Consolidated ethically able to serve the needs of the child, we may provide referrals to the appropriate providers.
In conclusion, it is our ethical duty to serve our clients to the best seek training and consultation to grow our skills while practicing all these things while protecting our license and representing our have the added challenge working with additional systems such to meet every need, case management, advocacy, and education about resources fall under our scope. We are tasked with providing these services to the best of our abilities because all children
parties such as the guardian ad litem, parent coordinator, or case manager.
During the course of the play therapy, the therapist will also need to be prepared to manage boundaries and expectations with play therapist should consider utilizing the therapeutic powers of play and play themes (Landreth, 2023) in case notes and parent consultation to communicate therapeutic progress, recommend a summary of care to stakeholders requesting client records rather the limitations of therapist testimony as factual witnesses unable to make recommendations for custody and visitation.
needed in order to provide professional and ethical care in cases that are engaged in active litigation. Play therapists saying “yes” to this work will be best supported by engaging in consultation to actively monitor the boundaries and expectations established.
www.a4pt.org | September 2024 | PLAYTHERAPY | 17
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