CASE
The 6-month long therapeutic relationship between Connie Sole, Ph.D., and Jason Mourner never involved physical touching. On learning, in session, that Jason’s father fell unexpectedly ill and died suddenly, Dr. Sole reached for Jason to give him hug. Jason’s body went rigid, and he did not reciprocate the gesture. • Based on your reading of textbook chapter(s) what are the ethical issue(s) in this case, if any? • Explain the ethical challenge by drawing on the necessary elements of ethical code(s) & principles. Use either AAMFT or APA as per your discipline. In your words, tell us which ethical principle(s) (Koocher & Keith-Spiegel, 2016, p. 5) are you drawing upon? • If you were Dr. Sole, tell us how you decided YOUR best course of action on hearing the news? And, what would you do next in the session, if you had given the hug & felt Jason’s body go rigid? Which factors did you consider?
Identify the ethical issue, what is the ethical code(s) and principle(s). What is your best course of action and how you attend to relational ethics?