ABSTRACT
A discussed in chapter 3, sometimes decisions need to be made that violate one ethical principle in order to uphold others or when it is otherwise not possible to achieve an ethically perfect resolution. This often leaves us with a sense of moral regret, as if we failed in some way. These feelings may lead us to question our decisions, and in some cases they will lead us to try to compensate for our less-than-perfect solution or for violating one ethical principle in order to uphold another. In response to a case like Jerry’s (Case 3-2), one psychologist reported that although he decided to maintain his client’s confidentiality for the reasons already articulated, he had a strong emotional reaction that led him to take further action. First, he met with his “Jerry” and expressed his concerns. Although his “Jerry” agreed to examine his behavior and sign a safe sex contract, the psychologist still felt uncomfortable. His observations follow:
How do we understand this therapist’s actions? I suspect most of us would agree that there was something special about him. He went beyond what is typically expected in a psychologist’s role and exhibited what sometimes gets called the highest standards of the profession. He exhibited compassion for his client and a responsibility to others in the community. He exhibited the kind of behavior that I believe many of us would like
to emulate but often fall short of exhibiting in our daily activities.
