1. A. Respect for the rights & dignity of people/peoples
1.1. A.1 Justice
1.1.1. A.1.1 Discriminating and stereotyping people on basis of sexuality etc.
1.1.1.1. BREACH: Stereotyping and discriminating client by asking irrelevant and demeaning questions about his sexuality and sexual history
1.1.1.1.1. COMMENTARY: Questioning the client’s sexual orientation and history so early in therapy may convey to the client that Jay is discriminating and stereotyping the client on the basis of assumed sexual issues. Jay has a responsibility to be aware of any implicit bias and how such behaviour may negatively impact the client.
1.1.2. A.1.2 & A.1.3 Assist clients to address discrimination or prejudice & understand the consequences for people of unfair discrimination and stereotyping related to sexuality etc.
1.1.2.1. BREACH: Ignoring or dismissing clients actual concerns relating workplace relations matter
1.1.2.1.1. COMMENTARY: Jay is supposed to be assisting the client with potential unfair discrimination or prejudice – if that is the nature of the problems with his work supervisor who is being experienced as rude and abrasive.
1.2. A.2 Respect
1.2.1. A.2.1 Respecting clients i.e. protecting their rights & character, and engaging in communication and conduct that via conduct demeans/defames/harasses them etc. A.2.2 Respect of profession/ colleagues
1.2.1.1. RISK: Demeaning and/or defaming clients due to lack of boundaries; RISK: Damaging public perception and trust n profession/EAP/Services
1.2.1.1.1. COMMENTARY: Jay combines his busy social life with his work life. This lack of boundaries is concerning e.g. he might discuss his clients in a way that is demeaning (not respecting or upholding dignity) or defamatory (slandering), he might deter people who need help from engaging in psychology services (and the EAP) due to their lack of trust in him and his professionalism and competence. These views can then extend through to public perceptions of the services he works for and the professional generally.
1.2.1.2. BREACH: Demeaning client by asking irrelevant questions
1.2.1.2.1. COMMENTARY: Jay may have damaged the professional relationship on the onset and caused harm to the client who may choose not to continue with therapy as a result. It is not clear why Jay at the the first interview as such questions and this may convey to the client that Jay is curious for his own sake or even judging the client’s behaviour.
1.2.1.3. BREACH: Harms client and potentially associated persons by laughing at clients 'funny' story; RISK: Damage public and/or client perception and trust in profession/services
1.2.1.3.1. COMMENTARY: Jays conduct is out of line. He is being disrespectful and not protecting his client despite not specifically naming her. Also if it is is true that the guest knows his client and relays the information back to them, it can cause the client more harm, ruin the professional relationship and the clients trust in psychologists. Guests at the dinner party might already be questioning Jay’s professionalism, competence and his behaviour might also lead them to discredit the profession also
1.2.1.4. BREACH: Harming client and potentially associated person
1.2.1.4.1. COMMENTARY: We assume his actions are impaired due to alcohol consumption. However, Jay chooses to engage in a sexual relationship with someone who is possibly a relative of one of his longer term clients. Another example where he is not protecting his client.
1.3. A.4 Privacy
1.3.1. A.4 Collecting only relevant information
1.3.1.1. BREACH: Asking irrelevant and demeaning questions unrelated to context
1.3.1.1.1. COMMENTARY: Jay is invading his client’s privacy being disrespectful by choosing to directly ask for information (his client’s sexual orientation and history) not relevant to the matter the client is seeing him for. Because is in a position of power from the client’ perspective, the client might feel compelled and unwillingly answer. This also might damage the professional relationship from the onset as the client might distrust him, feel unprotected or feel Jay is incompetent and unprofessional from the start.
1.4. A.5 Confidentiality
1.4.1. A.5.1 & A.5.2 Protecting client confidentiality and only disclosing information under specific circumstances
1.4.1.1. RISK: Disseminating client information information carelessly and/or without consent
1.4.1.1.1. COMMENTARY: Jay needs to be scrupulous about maintaining personal and professional boundaries (placing himself in situations where there may be associated persons, relationships formed and alcohol involved etc.), to ensure that his complex social and work lives don’t lead him to breach the confidentiality of his clients outside of his numerous work setting and/or the psychological services he provides.
1.4.1.2. BREACH: Sharing client information inappropriately and without client consent
1.4.1.2.1. COMMENTARY: Jay is not protecting his client. He is inappropriately, and without consent, disseminating confidential information, which though he is careful not to name the client, he gives enough information that leads someone, potentially an associated person, to identify them, which can further exacerbate the harm especially if it gets back to his client.
1.4.1.3. RISK: Harming client, associated person and profession/colleagues
1.4.1.3.1. COMMENTARY: After a few drinks Jay is at risk breaching the confidentiality of his client without their consent to the suspected associated person he's engaging the suggestive conversation with. He might also might be aware of the relationship between the client and this relative. This could potentially cause harm his client if he if gets back to them that he has a sexual relationship with with a direct relation, damage the existing relationship and the client’s trust in him and the profession as a whole.
1.4.2. A.5.5 Use of client information for other purposes
1.4.2.1. BREACH: Sharing client information for social/ 'humour' purposes
1.4.2.1.1. COMMENTARY: Jay is using the information he collected via his psychological services for humour purposes not for the actual purpose (collection), which may inform the psychological services he provides to the client.
1.5. A.7 Collection of client information from associated parties
1.5.1. A.7.1, A.7.4 & A.7.5 Having informed consent from client and/or associated parties before collecting information
1.5.1.1. RISK: Collecting information without informed consent
1.5.1.1.1. COMMENTARY: No professional boundaries within social settings might lead to Jay sharing client information where associated parties might identify them. There is a risk of sharing and collecting information without clients' or associated persons' consent.
1.5.1.2. RISK: Collecting information without informed consent
1.5.1.2.1. COMMENTARY: Same as directly above above.
1.5.1.3. RISK: Collecting information without informed consent
1.5.1.3.1. OMMENTARY: Same as directly above above.
2. Jay combines his social life and a complex work life...including with an EAP supporting the employees of several organisations
3. Jay asks his new client about their sexual orientation/history in their first interview, when the client has come to see him for a workplace relations issue
4. Jay tells a ‘funny’ story about a (unnamed) client at a dinner party and guest in attendance suspects identity based on circumstances described
5. RISK: May be a situation whereby the scope of Jay’s role does not encompass being a mediator for workplace issues, so therefore issue should be referred to e.g. HR (more likely that Jay’s role would end at providing employee with strategies for resolving difficult workplace relationships).
6. psychologists do not engage in sexual activity with a client or anybody who is closely related to one of their clients (C.4.3a)
6.1. Jay had a sexual relationship with a guest with the same last name with one of his longer term clients
6.1.1. RISK: Same last name does not mean related, it is unclear whether this guest is truly related to one of his clients, unless Jay found out from a conversation (which is not included in this case study), therefore it is a risk. However, if this guest turned out related to Jay's client, that means Jay BREACH the code
7. C. Integrity
7.1. C.1 Reputable behaviour
7.1.1. C.1.1 & C.1.2 Avoid engaging in disreputable conduct that reflects ability to practice as a psychologist and the profession/discipline
7.1.1.1. RISK: Engaging in behaviours that can reflect poorly on him and the profession.
7.1.1.1.1. COMMENTARY: Jay engaging in behaviours (preceived lack of boundaries between social and work lives) that could potentially reflect poorly on him, his professionalism, competence and trustworthiness. This behaviour may also impact the public’s perception and trust in the profession generally.
7.1.1.2. Jay asked his new client about his sexual orientation, and further questioned about his sexual history in the first interview
7.1.1.2.1. RISK: First interview with a client should be used to build rapport and get to know the client in an appropriate manner. As a professional psychologist, Jay should adapt an objective instead of subjective view towards his client. By asking the client about his sexual orientation and history(esp during first interview), it seemed that Jay was driven by his premature assumption / judgement towards the client. Regardless of his correct/wrong judgement, Jay's conduct in this matter has raised a questions about his ability to practice as a psychologist and may have harmed the client.
7.1.1.3. BREACH: Engaging in behaviours that can reflect poorly on him and the profession, entertaining other guests with funny story about one of his clients.
7.1.1.3.1. COMMENTARY 1: Even though Jay was very careful not to reveal the name of the client, one of the guests managed to identify the client from the story. Jay should keep client's information confidential/ private. Clients' situation are not to be used as a laughing matter. This conduct of his could potentially reflects negatively on profession of psychology
7.1.1.3.2. COMMENTARY 2: Sharing information about his clients reflects poorly on him, his professionalism, competence and trustworthiness. This behaviour may impact the public’s perception and trust in the profession generally. He might even cause harm to his client if he has unwillingly identified them to an associated person, damage the professional relationship and the client’s trust in psychological services ongoing.
7.1.1.4. BREACH: Engaging in behaviours that can reflect poorly on him and the profession, having sex with potentially an associated person of a long-term client
7.1.1.4.1. COMMENTAR: Having sex with an associated person of one of his longer-term clients reflects poorly on him, his professionalism, competence and trustworthiness. He might cause harm to his client if its gets back to them damage the professional relationship and the client’s trust in psychological services ongoing.
7.1.2. INCORPORATED THIS INTO THE ABOVE: C.1.2 Avoid engaging in disreputable conduct that reflects negatively on the profession/discipline of psychology (C.1.2)
7.1.2.1. Jay entertains other guests with funny story about one of his clients
7.1.2.1.1. RISK : Even though Jay was very careful not to reveal the name of the client, one of the guests managed to identify the client from the story. Jay should keep client's information confidential/private. Clients' situation are not to be used as a laughing matter. This conduct of his could potentially reflects negatively on profession of psychology.
7.2. C.3 Conflict of interest
7.2.1. C.3.1 Refrain from engaging in multiple relationship that may impair competence, effectiveness, ability or objectivity to render a psychological service, harm clients or other parties or lead to exploitation of other parties
7.2.1.1. RISK: Jay combines a busy social life with his work as psychologist in a number of settings
7.2.1.1.1. RISK: The lack of boundaries between professional and personal relationship could possibly affect his effectiveness, and objectivity to render a psychological service with this particular group (organisation)
7.2.1.2. One of the guest think she knows the person Jay was talking about
7.2.1.2.1. If the story somehow gets spread around, the wellbeing of the person involved in the story (regardless it's fact or misunderstanding) could potentially be compromised.
7.2.1.3. BREACH: Engaging in sexual relationship.....
7.2.1.3.1. COMMENTARY: Engaging so closely with an associated person of one of his longer-term clients can potentially impar his objectivity and competence, cause harm to the client and associated person and lead to exploitation.
7.2.2. INCORPORATED THIS INTO THE ABOVE harm clients or other parties to a psychological service (C.3.1b)
7.2.2.1. One of the guest think she knows the person Jay was talking about
7.2.2.1.1. RISK: If the story somehow gets spread around, the wellbeing of the person involved in the story (regardless it's fact or misunderstanding) could potentially be compromised.
7.2.3. When entering into a multiple relationship is unavoidable, adhere to provisions of standard A3 (informed consent)
7.2.3.1. Jay combines busy social life and work as psychologist in a number of settings
7.2.3.1.1. RISK: Disclosing client's information for other purposes (social/humour). I identified this as a risk as Jay did not reveal the name/identity of client or any information that could reveal her identity. Unfortunately, the description of the story led one of the guest to think that she knows who Jay was talking about.
7.3. C.4 Non-exploitation
7.3.1. C.4.1 Do not exploit people with whom they have or had a professional relationship (C.4.1)
7.3.1.1. Using the client's circumstances as a funny story to entertain his guests
7.3.1.1.1. RISK: Using the client's story (possibly real-life struggles) as other (unnecessary) purpose? Jay could breach the client's trust in him as a psychologist.
7.3.2. C.4.3 Do not engage in sexual activity with client or anyone who is closely related to client
7.3.2.1. BREACH: Engaging in a sexual relationship with an associated person of a client
7.3.2.1.1. COMMENTARY: If the guest and his client are related, Jay has breached the Standard. Either way, Jay is responsible for avoiding this, especially given the severity of consequences, and the likelihood of a boundary violation given his complex life. If this was a genuine error (a memory lapse under the influence of alcohol) Jay must take immediate and careful steps to: see if there is a conflict of interest and, if so, discuss the issue in supervision, and take reparative steps.
8. B. Propriety
8.1. B.1 Competence
8.1.1. B.1.1 & B.1.2 Bring and maintain appropriate skills and learning to professional practice, and only provide services within the boundaries of professional competence
8.1.1.1. RISK: Failing to act with professionalism competence, using appropriate skills and learning whist in social settings
8.1.1.1.1. COMMENTARY: No professional boundaries within social settings, Jay might find himself in situations where he might provide psychological services outside his professional practice and competence, especially if he forms social relationships with people within the organisations he provides his services. This behaviour leaves the recipient unprotected, can reflect poorly on his professionalism, trustworthiness and competence, and the profession generally.
8.1.1.2. BREACH: Failing to to act with professionalism competence, using appropriate skills and learning into practice
8.1.1.2.1. COMMENTARY: Invading new client’s privacy and being disrespectful by asking what might be perceived as irrelevant questions, can harm the client. The client also may question Jay’s competence and professionalism and not seek further psychological services as a result
8.1.1.3. BREACH: Failing to act with professionalism competence, using appropriate skills and learning whist in social settings
8.1.1.3.1. COMMENTARY: Sharing client information in social settings, despite his efforts to de-identify is unprofessional and can reflect poorly on his Jay’s competence and professionalism, especially if it gets back to the client. Its could damage the client as well as the professional relationship. It can also reflect poorly on the profession generally. He is assuming everyone there is ok with him sharing and laughing at the expense of his client. Some might not be ok with that.
8.1.1.4. BREACH: Failing to act with professionalism competence, using appropriate skills and learning whist in social settings
8.1.1.4.1. COMMENTARY: Jay’s behaviour by knowingly engaging in a sexual relationship with potential relative, can reflect poorly on Jay’s competence, trustworthiness and professionalism, and the profession generally, especially if it gets back to the client. Its could damage the client as well as the professional relationship.
8.1.2. B.1.3 Seek professional supervision, RISK: A busy social life may impact Jay’s mental health so he should be wary of this and adhere to this standard as necessary?
8.2. B.2 Record Keeping?
8.3. B.3 Professional Responsibility
8.3.1. Act with care and skill, foresee risks, take steps to prevent harm - RISK: (Jay needs to be aware of B.3. when combining professional/social life)
8.3.2. BREACH - Failed to foresee risk and avoid it, Jay prioritised own self-interest over client welfare, welfare of guest, and welfare of broader public (made more serious by the fact Jay realises this person is most likely related given the unusual surname)
8.3.3. BREACH of confidentiality harms client, and profession
8.4. B.4 Provision of Psychological Services at the request of a third party?
8.5. B.5. Provision of psychological services to multiple clients
8.6. B.11. Termination of Psychological Servicies
8.6.1. Offer to locate alternative assistance