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Chapter
Maintaining professional boundaries when both client and psychologist belong to a common sub-culture
DOI link for Maintaining professional boundaries when both client and psychologist belong to a common sub-culture
Maintaining professional boundaries when both client and psychologist belong to a common sub-culture book
Maintaining professional boundaries when both client and psychologist belong to a common sub-culture
DOI link for Maintaining professional boundaries when both client and psychologist belong to a common sub-culture
Maintaining professional boundaries when both client and psychologist belong to a common sub-culture book
ABSTRACT
This chapter provides the case study of Dr Mostert. Dr Mostert is a self-identified gay female psychologist. She has been providing a therapeutic service to a female client, Melissa, who has disclosed that she is gay. During a social gathering at a local event for sexual minority rights, Dr Mostert notices that her friend has entered the event with Melissa, and appears to be her partner. Sexual minority groups in relatively moderate size cities can act as a sub-culture, which experiences similar issues to that of rural and remote communities. The Australian Psychological Society guidelines for managing professional boundaries and multiple relationships will be necessary for the ethical dilemma. This ethical dilemma raises a variety of concerns for confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and informed consent issues. All are threatened in this ethical dilemma, which makes the ethical principle of fidelity important.