Law and Ethics Practice Exam

If a therapist is treating one partner in a couple's therapy and the other requests individual therapy after their breakup, what should the therapist do?

1. Agree to treat both partners since they have previously been in therapy together

2. Provide the boyfriend with a referral to another therapist

3. Inform the boyfriend of the conflict of interest in treating him

4. Discuss the implications of treating both parties transparently

The correct answer is: Provide the boyfriend with a referral to another therapist

In this scenario, the most appropriate action for the therapist is to provide the boyfriend with a referral to another therapist. This is crucial because therapeutic relationships are built on trust and confidentiality, and when one partner has already been in therapy with the therapist, a power dynamic and potential conflict can arise if both partners are treated by the same professional following a breakup. By referring the boyfriend to another therapist, the original therapist upholds ethical standards that prioritize the welfare of both individuals. Treating both partners could compromise the integrity of their individual therapy sessions due to lingering emotional ties, unresolved issues from their previous joint therapy, and the potential for bias. Therefore, maintaining clear boundaries by providing a referral helps to ensure that both individuals receive the support they need without conflicts interfering with their therapy processes. This approach fosters a therapeutic environment that is respectful of the emotional complexities following a breakup.