Eth316 Week 4
Autor: nenito • September 19, 2016 • Study Guide • 437 Words (2 Pages) • 651 Views
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- The main issue of this case study is sexual harassment. The party who was primarily faced with the dilemma is the clinical psychologist. Knowing the issue, trying to respect the victim’s wishes, and also trying to follow the University’s policy on sexual harassment.
- Relevant facts of the case study:
- Helen is the victim of two alleged sexual harassment incidents
- Helen doesn’t want to formally report the incidents
- Alleged sexual harassment incidents are to be reported for further investigation
- Helen has sought help through the University Student counseling service.
- Helen disclosed he victimization to the psychologist to begin therapy
- Clients who are treated through this program are protected under the client-patient privilege of confidentiality policy
- Helen doesn’t want to report the incidents, for personal reasons. Maybe the offender is a friend and she doesn’t want them to get in trouble. She seems like she is scared or intimidated. The counselor feels obligated to honor Helens wishes but she is also obligated to follow the University rules and regulations. The counselor is facing a large moral and ethical dilemma. The counselor can go against Helen’s wishes and report the incidents, she can just honor Helens wishes and not report it, or the counselor can try to convince Helen that she needs to report it herself. If she can do the last option then both sides win.
- If the counselor just reports the issues then she could give the whole program a reputation of not adhering to the rules of the patient confidentiality. If she just honors Helen’s wishes and doesn’t report it, then she is breaking the rules set forth by the university to protect its students and create a safe learning environment. If the counselor can convince Helen to report the incidents then both sides will win. Helen will be safe from the offender, the University will be able to properly investigate the incidents, and future students will be safe from the possible advances of the offender.
- If I was that counselor I would choose the last option. I would have to lay out the whole situation for Helen. I would tell her that if she doesn’t report this situation and the offender, then future students could encounter the same problems or it could get worse. I would tell her that I know it is a hard and scary situation to be in but, that is why our entire team of psychologists are there on campus. I would tell her that she is the key to our success.
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