Psychology In Seattle Podcast Couple Therapy Ethics Case
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Jan 12, 2026 A deep dive into a malpractice case unfolds, focusing on a couple's therapy gone wrong. The discussion highlights the challenges of transitioning to individual therapy after divorce and the crucial importance of informed consent. Confidentiality breaches become a central theme, especially when custody battles ignite. Ethical dilemmas surface as a therapist makes contentious custody recommendations, leading to a legal showdown. Dr. Kirk shares practical advice while reflecting on personal panic experiences, making for an engaging and informative listen.
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Couple And Individual Sessions Can Coexist
- It is ethically permissible to alternate couple sessions with individual sessions to accelerate therapy and gather fuller perspectives.
- This approach risks bias and must be managed carefully through informed policies and documentation.
Treat Transition As New Engagements
- If you transition from couple therapy to treating individuals, terminate the couple file and open new individual files with fresh treatment plans.
- Do a new informed-consent process and clearly explain limits and future implications to both parties.
Disclose Future Couple Therapy Limits
- Inform both parties that working individually may prevent future couple sessions with you and obtain consent about that trade-off.
- Document the discussion and the client's explicit agreement or refusal.