There are two ethical vignettes below. You must answer both of them. Your goal is not
only to answer the obvious points and respond to the prompts listed, but more
importantly, I need to see that you are capable of thinking critically about what needs to
be considered and questioned in each case example. Each answer should be 1-2 pages,
double-spaced.
1.) Several weeks ago, Dr. Alby began treating Kevin, who is 14 years old. The focus
of treatment has been to assist Kevin in working through the loss of his biological
father, who following a separation has not been living with Kevin and his mother
for about a year. Kevin’s father has little involvement or apparent interest in
Kevin’s life. At present, Kevin has a number of somatic complaints and appears to
be experiencing a mild depression. He has recently engaged in some antisocial
behavior (shoplifting and staying out past his curfew), which seems consistent
with a “bad boy” persona that he is adopting. He reports not being happy in
school and is not doing particularly well. Thus far a positive and productive
relationship between Dr. Alby and Kevin seems to be developing, which Dr. Alby
finds encouraging. Kevin began a recent session by reporting that his mother is
considering enrolling him in Bay Bridge Academy, a nearby private school that
has an excellent reputation and is known especially for its small class size and the
involvement of parents in both curricular and extracurricular activities. As Dr.
Alby was listening to the material, he could feel his chest tighten. Wendy, his 14-
year-old daughter, is a student at Bay Bridge and involvement in her school
activities is the source of great pleasure and pride for Dr. Alby. What is Dr.
Alby’s ethical dilemma? If you were in a peer supervision group with Dr. Alby,
what would you advise? What would you warn against?
2.) You work in private practice and have been working with an attractive,
unmarried 30-year-old accountant who presented with mild depression and
relationship problems (mainly that they can never find the right person to date for
any meaningful period of time). The first three sessions have gone very well and a
quick, firm therapeutic bond has been easily formed. You imagine most people
who interact with your client find them charming due to their quick wit and
confidence. This client soon becomes one of your most enjoyable clients to work
with because they are pleasant, fully engaged in treatment, and clearly take what
you two discuss in therapy and thinks about it in between sessions. At the end of
the fourth session, as you open the door for your client to leave, your client
pauses, turns to face you and says, “I have to tell you, I look forward to coming
here. You are the first person I’ve felt really comfortable opening up to in a long
time.” You thank the client, feeling warmed by the praise. Your client then grins
in an endearing fashion, touches your arm, and asks: “How come I can’t ever find
someone like you to date?” Suddenly you feel sexually attracted to your client.
What do you do?
Please include ACA ethical codes and the decision making model
