Author
Jeffrey E. Barnett, Psy.D., ABPP
44 articles
The Ethical Practice of Psychotherapy
Abstract This introductory article to the special section on ethics in psychotherapy highlights the challenges and ethical dilemmas psychotherapists regularly face throughout their careers, and the limits of the American Psychological Association Ethics Code in offering clear guidance for how specifically to respond to each of these situations. Reasons for the Ethics Code’s naturally occurring […]
Jeffrey E. Barnett, Psy.D., ABPP
December 13, 2019
Competence, Ethical Practice, and Going It Alone
The practice of psychotherapy is typically, by its very nature, a solitary activity for the psychotherapist. Even for those psychotherapists who work in group practices, hospitals, clinics, and other similar settings, the individual nature of the practice of psychotherapy can be isolating. The one-on-one nature of most psychotherapy and the demands placed on the psychotherapist […]
Jeffrey E. Barnett, Psy.D., ABPP + 1 more
December 6, 2018
One Dozen Important Actions to Take Now to Practice Ethically and Competently
1. Get out of the office, attend continuing education events and professional association conferences, and interact with colleagues. Don’t isolate yourself. Those who are more isolated professionally are at greater risk of poor decision-making and unethical practice over time (Knapp & VandeCreek, 2012). 2. Create a constellation of colleagues (Johnson, Barnett, Elman, Forrest, & Kaslow, […]
Jeffrey E. Barnett, Psy.D., ABPP
November 11, 2018
Slowing it Down
Acting in an ethical manner requires careful consideration, deliberation, consultation, and reflection (Knapp, VandeCreek, & Fingerhut, 2017). Answers to ethical dilemmas cannot be found through a quick internet search or superficially sought through queries on professional listservs. When faced with ethically ambiguous and challenging situations for which there appears to be no readily evident “right” […]
Maria Hochuli, B.S. + 1 more
December 30, 2017
The Ethics of Scholarship
The ethical conduct of research and the dissemination of its results are essential for the field of psychotherapy and for all psychotherapists. Ongoing research provides us with new insights, and expanding one’s knowledge base directly impacts the clinical services provided to clients. Without ongoing research, the mental health profession would stagnate and the public served […]
Jeffrey E. Barnett, Psy.D., ABPP
July 16, 2017
Being an Ethical Psychotherapist
Psychotherapists endeavor to be ethical in all their professional roles and interactions. Yet, being ethical is not always easy. While there are regularly occurring situations that are clearly ethical or unethical, many of situations we may face constitute ethical dilemmas. These are situations with no readily apparent, clearly appropriate or inappropriate course of action. These […]
Jeffrey E. Barnett, Psy.D., ABPP
April 30, 2017
Individual Differences and the Process of Informed Consent
The importance of considering individual differences and diversity in our clinical work has rightly received increased attention in recent years. The relevance of individual differences and diversity to all aspects of the professional services psychologists provide is clearly articulated in the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (Ethics Code, APA, 2010) in Principle […]
Jeffrey E. Barnett, Psy.D., ABPP + 1 more
March 12, 2017
6 Strategies for Ethical Termination of Psychotherapy
Termination is the term typically used when referring to the ending of the psychotherapy relationship. It may occur as an anticipated and well-articulated treatment plan that indicates the next phase of the psychotherapy process or it may occur precipitously or by surprise. Abandonment is a term that implies that the psychotherapist either ended the psychotherapy […]
Jeffrey E. Barnett, Psy.D., ABPP
October 23, 2016
What is Ethics Anyway?
Ethics for psychotherapists is a given; it’s a fact of life for mental health clinicians. It is a required course in graduate school, likely included in comprehensive exams, and is addressed to some extent in clinical supervision (at least when problems arise). It also is an area of emphasis on licensure exams, making sure future […]
Jeffrey E. Barnett, Psy.D., ABPP
September 11, 2016
Take the Informed Consent Quiz
Informed consent is an essential component of every psychotherapy relationship. When conducted effectively it lays the foundation for the psychotherapy relationship and process to come. The informed consent process ensures that clients possess the information necessary to make an informed decision about participation in the services being offered. As Handelsman (2001) articulates, we must provide […]
Jeffrey E. Barnett, Psy.D., ABPP + 1 more
March 27, 2016
Take the Confidentiality Practices Quiz
It is a given that confidentiality is essential in the psychotherapy process. Clients share their secrets, embarrassing information, fears, and the like, specifically for the purpose of receiving needed assistance to overcome their stated difficulties. Without the promise of confidentiality, many individuals might not be able to establish the trusting relationship needed for psychotherapy to […]
Jeffrey E. Barnett, Psy.D., ABPP
January 17, 2016
Informed Consent with Children and Adolescents
Informed consent lays the foundation for the psychotherapy relationship and treatment to come in respecting the client’s legal rights and offering her or him the opportunity to make an informed decision about participating in the treatment to be offered. Barnett, Wise, Johnson-Greene, & Bucky (2007) have highlighted the potential benefits of an appropriately implemented informed […]
Caroline Coffman + 1 more
November 8, 2015