Compassion is certainly a cornerstone of a good therapist. I completely agree. Maybe it's my "Inner Bowen" coming out, but compassion is a feeling. Ethics concern behavior. Therapy is a process governed by a contract. An exchange of services for money. You brought up the idea of informed consent. Informed consent solidifies the contract. Are we to say that our relationships with paying clients at work, and our relationship with strangers on our block contain the same ethical requirements? How can that possibly be allowed? I maintain that ethical standards relate to professional behavior, not private feelings about a non-client. If Monica were to attempt to use her position to deny treatment at the only substance abuse center in town, you might have an argument there. I didn't get that from her original post. What I got is her frustration and fear at being victimized by this violent drug addict, I got her frustration over the dynamics of abusing relationships (which I think many of us have felt in our careers). I got her humanity, her worry about this man being in her workplace. I'd also like to add that compassion for a drug addict does NOT include condoning violence, threats, breaking the law, etc. Ask anyone who does drug and alcohol counseling: these clients must be held accountable for their behavior. Justifying his violence toward his girlfriend as being "sick" and "in need of compassion" is only acceptable to the point in which he takes personal responsibility for his actions and their consequences. He's already shown a willingness to violate Monica's rights and threaten her. How much does she have to risk, especially if there is equitable treatment elsewhere? Therapeutic compassion does not include enabling a violent offender, giving him access to a previous victim, or giving up your private life.
Replies:
|
| Behavior OnLine Home Page | Disclaimer |
Copyright © 1996-2004 Behavior OnLine, Inc. All rights reserved.