Problem: Joan, a middle aged Caucasian psychologist who works primarily with adolescents, recently agreed to accept Samantha, a 31 year old biracial female, as a client at the request of her supervisor. Aside from Samantha's age and ethnicity (African American father and Puerto Rican mother who were both born in the US), Joan knows little about Samantha before their first session together. During the first session Samantha shares with Joan that the reason she is coming to therapy is because she thinks she is attracted to females and not males, but is not sure. Samantha shared that she is currently in a relationship with John, but has found herself attracted to his sister, Julie who is a lesbian. Joan is a lesbian and she has not disclosed this to Samantha.
At the second session, Joan sits next to Samantha on the couch instead of in her office chair. While Samantha talks about her attraction to her boyfriend's sister, Joan begins to think about her own sexuality and catches herself thinking about being with Samantha romantically. As a psychologist, Joan is able to usually put her own feelings aside in working with clients effectively but finds herself almost unknowingly in session wanting to kiss Samantha.
Applying Reamer's (2005) ethical decision model below, please explore any ethical considerations (specific codes as well as dilemmas) as well as include any sexual orientation and religious issues related to Joan and Samantha's present situation.
Question 1: Identify the conflicts between the ethical and legal expectations and requirements, including the social work values and duties that conflict.
Question 2: Identify the individuals, groups, and organizations that are likely to be affected by the ultimate ethical decision.
Question 3: Tentatively identify all possible courses of action and the participants involved in each, along with possible benefits and risks for each
Question 4: Thoroughly examine the reasons in favor of and opposed to each possible course of action, considering relevant (a) ethical theories (for example, deontological and teleological perspectives), principles, and guidelines from literature on professional ethics; (b) codes of ethics (especially the NASW code of ethics); (c) constitutional provisions, statutes, regulations, court decisions, and executive orders; and (d) personal values (including religious, cultural, and ethnic values).
Question 5: Consult with colleagues and appropriate experts (such as professional colleagues, supervisors, agency administrators, attorneys, ethics scholars and consultants, agency-based ethics committees).
Question 6: Make the decision and document the decision-making process.
Question 7: Monitor and evaluate the decision.
Additionally in thinking about Samantha and this week's readings and resources, what are some specific considerations unique to the LGBTQA community which might influence the psychologist's role?