Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
Sheila came to your office about eight months ago, seeking counseling
and stating that she hoped to save her marriage. After a few sessions with
Sheila, you had suggested that couples counseling might be helpful, but her
husband, Roy, refused to participate. Three months ago, Sheila and Roy went
through a very nasty breakup of their marriage, and now you have been
subpoenaed to produce all of your records pertaining to Sheilas treatment.
Sheila has told you to comply with the subpoena, saying that she has nothing
to hide. Despite your suggestion to Sheila that it may not be in her best
interest to disclose those records, she has refused to assert the privilege.
What should you do?
1. What types of issues might be related to Sheilas decision to release
her records?
2. How might Sheila be disadvantaged by releasing her records?
3. Apply your ethical decision-making model of choice to this case and
describe the specific steps you would take in responding to the
subpoena.
1. Sheila may chose to release her records in efforts to state her case, in the
divorce proceedings due to her hopes to save her marriage, and to convey
husbands resistance to participate in counseling. Sheila also may be
confident if she is receiving legal support in order to use the information to
prepare for deposition.
2. On the other hand, Sheila may be disadvantaged by releasing her records if
she is not fully aware of the information within those records considering the
stipulations within the subpoena request for the production of all the
counselors records pertaining to treatment. Sheila may also be
disadvantaged in the uncertainties of how the information will be used
especially if the information in the records are used to undermine her
credibility. Her lack of knowledge may hinder her in this case.
3. Ethical Decision Making Model: Ethical Decision Making Model Adapted
from Welfel (2012):
Step 1: Be sensitive to the moral dimensions of counseling. Have
insight into how your own personal principles, values, and worldview
will impact your decision-making process.
References
Ethical Decision Making Model:
http://www.sdcounseling.org/documents/Ethical_Decision_Making_Model.pdf
Remley, T.P., & Herlihy, B. (2015). Ethical, legal, and professional issues in
counseling. (5th ed.).
Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill.
Wheeler, A.M., & Bertram, B. (2015). The counselor and the law (7th ed.).
Alexandria, VA:
American Counseling Association.
American Counseling Association (2014). ACA Code of Ethics. Alexandria, VA.