[libribook.com] Traumatic Scar Tissue Management 1st Edition

16.06.2020 Views

Professional EthicsThe purpose of practicing our profession ethically is to promote and maintain thewelfare of the client. Through their behavior, professionals can comply both withthe law and with professional codes. If compliance with the law is the onlymotivation in ethical behavior, the person is said to be practicing mandatoryethics. If, however, the professional strives for the highest possible benefit andwelfare for the client, he or she behaves with aspirational ethics (Corey et al.2006, Fritz 2013), see Box 8.2.

Box 8.2Eight principles that guide professional ethical behavior (adapted fromFritz 2013):• Respect (esteem and regard for clients, other professionals, and oneself)• Client autonomy and self-determination (the right to decide and the rightto sufficient information to make the decision)• Veracity (the right to the objective truth)• Proportionality (benefit must outweigh the burden of treatment)• Non-maleficence (the profession shall do no harm and prevent harm fromhappening)• Beneficence (treatment should contribute to the client’s well-being)• Confidentiality (respect for privacy of information)• Justice and non-judgement (ensures equality among clients).Ethical therapist behavior and clear communication are essential for a productivetherapeutic relationship. The technical and interpersonal aspects of care aresymbiotic. Touch demands intimate human contact, interaction and response.The therapist’s interactions and responses to the client are of parallel importanceto skillful assessment and treatment (Fitch 2005).A few rules in the professional setting are absolutes: a professional does notbreach sexual boundaries with a client; clients are to be referred when the skillsrequired are out of the scope of practice or training of the professional; all caremust focus on giving help and avoiding harm; and clients are to be givencomplete information about the treatment (Fritz 2013).

Box 8.2

Eight principles that guide professional ethical behavior (adapted from

Fritz 2013):

• Respect (esteem and regard for clients, other professionals, and oneself)

• Client autonomy and self-determination (the right to decide and the right

to sufficient information to make the decision)

• Veracity (the right to the objective truth)

• Proportionality (benefit must outweigh the burden of treatment)

• Non-maleficence (the profession shall do no harm and prevent harm from

happening)

• Beneficence (treatment should contribute to the client’s well-being)

• Confidentiality (respect for privacy of information)

• Justice and non-judgement (ensures equality among clients).

Ethical therapist behavior and clear communication are essential for a productive

therapeutic relationship. The technical and interpersonal aspects of care are

symbiotic. Touch demands intimate human contact, interaction and response.

The therapist’s interactions and responses to the client are of parallel importance

to skillful assessment and treatment (Fitch 2005).

A few rules in the professional setting are absolutes: a professional does not

breach sexual boundaries with a client; clients are to be referred when the skills

required are out of the scope of practice or training of the professional; all care

must focus on giving help and avoiding harm; and clients are to be given

complete information about the treatment (Fritz 2013).

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