Dr. Dee's Therapeutic Dilemma

The nature of the dilemma centers on the issue of multiple relationships. Dr. Dee is the psychologist of two current clients, Isabelle and Anthony, who were once in a relationship together. During their sessions, both clients have shared stories about their experiences in the relationship. The information that led Dr. Dee to identify there was a connection to both clients was brought to her attention nine months into treatment with Isabelle and three months into treatment with Anthony. At this point into their therapy, both clients have established a therapeutic relationship with Dr. Dee. Unfortunately, given that Dr. Dee is aware of the link between both clients and herself, she must now make a decision to ameliorate the conflict of her role
However, it is important to note that not all multiple relationships are considered unethical if found that they do not pose a risk of harm, exploitation, or professional impairment. In respect to the dilemma involving Dr. Dee, the ethical issue of a multiple relationship poses a risk of harming Isabelle and Anthony. Specifically, Code 3.05b applies to the dilemma as Dr. Dee entered into a multiple relationship with both clients unknowingly. Dr. Dee must consider her realistic ability to stay objective and effective towards the clients if she were to continue therapy with them both. Furthermore, she must address whether her ability to do so will pose a risk of harm or exploitation to either client. In order to adhere to the ethical standard, Dr. Dee should assess the situation by taking all information gathered into account and make reasonable actions to resolve the issue while keeping the best interest of both clients in mind to comply with the standards of the Ethics
Now that Dr. Dee knows Isabelle and Anthony as well as details of their relationship, she could possibly begin to lose objectivity during sessions. Additionally, she runs the risk of potentially siding and empathizing with one client versus the other to which she negatively influences their treatment. In effect, Dr. Dee may lose her professional objectivity, effectiveness, and competency due to her conflicting opinions that may lead to either or both clients to experience harm. Furthermore, Code 2.06 discusses the ethical issue of allowing personal problems and conflicts to affect the psychologist’s therapeutic work. Continuing on the subject of conflict of interest, Dr. Dee may find herself empathizing more with one client than the other due to her own past experiences. The additional empathetic attitude she holds towards a client may originate from her own past experiences that lead her to identify with them. Dr. Dee may potentially empathize more with Anthony and the stressors he faces from school due to her own experience as a Ph.D. graduate student. On the other hand, Dr. Dee may possibly empathize more with Isabelle and her emotional abuse due to her own experience with a former relationship. In this manner, empathizing and identifying with one client or the other stems from Dr. Dee’s personal problems, which could reasonably interfere with her