Week 4 Lecture: Making Ethical Decisions

Question 1

The main gatekeeper to informed consent is:

a. Therapist competence
b. Client competence
c. Therapist training
d. none of the above
e. all of the above

Answer 1

b. Client competence

Question 2

What are some considerations in ‘Client Competence’ (there’s 6!)

Answer 2

Competence to do what…?

FACTORS:
Minors
Overwhelmed
Traumatised
Mental health diagnosis
Some NDDs
Some psychopharmaceuticals

Question 3

How do you quantify professional competence? (it’s dynamic!)

Answer 3

Professional competence is an ethical and legal requirement involving several factors:

• Processes
• Frameworks
• Services you provide the client
• Tools, techniques, theories
• Ways your work can be evaluated
• Your own strengths and limitations

Question 4

Which section of the APS Code of Ethics does competence mostly relate to?

Answer 4

Propriety:
Section B.1 and B.1.2
Section B.1.3 (supervision)
Section b.1.4 (continuous monitoring)

Question 5

What is the main consideration when operationalising competence?

Answer 5

The 8 Core competencies (AHPRA)

and also factors that make an effective therapist

Question 6

What is therapeutic Alliance? (C.A.R)

Answer 6

Carl Rogers - the helping relationship, client-centered approach

Connection, alignment, reciprocity

Question 7

What are the 3 most important areas of Client-Centred Work?

Answer 7

C.U.E.

1. Congruence
2. Unconditional Positive Regard
3. Empathy

Question 8

Why do we need decision making models? (Give some examples)

Answer 8

While they are limiting, ignore humanity, morals, emotions, they provide structure and a framework for making ethical decisions.

E.g. Boyle & Gamble (2014) DAMAP - Decision Assistance Model for Australian Psychologists

US National Association of Social Workers 1997 Model

The Primary Risk Management Model - Crowley & Gottleib (2012)

Kampf, McSherry, Ogloff, & Rothschild 2009 - 8 step DM model (in Pelling & Burton)

Koocher & Keith-Spiegel (1998) - 9-step DM model

Question 9

What best predicts outcomes?
a) mental health diagnosis
b) modality
c) client
e) therapist factors
f) experience

Answer 9

e) Therapist factors

Question 10

How do we maintain/increase competence (in the APS Code of Ethics)?

Answer 10

B.1.3 -> Seek professional supervision and consultation

B.1.4 -> continuously monitor professional functioning - take appropriate measures to address any problems that may impair ability to provide competent services.

a) professional advice about limiting or terminating services
b) Take action in accordance with registration legislation
c) Refrain from undertaking that psych service

Question 11

What are the 8 CURRENT PsyBA areas of competence?

Answer 11

P I C K W E R P

Psychological assessment and measurement
Intervention
Communication
Knowledge of the discipline
Working across cross-cultural context
Ethical, legal and professional matters
Research and evaluation
Practice across the lifespan