The Dangers of Sexual Misconduct in the Field of Psychology

Abstract

The issues of sexual misconduct by individuals in the helping professions like psychology, where clinicians have direct contact and care with clients, has evolved over the years. The issues of dual-relationships with client and therapist, risk factors, and consequences that can happen when this happens and client based inappropriate behaviors that are directed toward clinicians will be addressed. These behaviors have created concern over the past two decades, some of the research completed on this issue in the form of surveys will be discussed. Codes of ethics and standards and a number of other factors that can be seen as unique in the helping professions due to working closely with clients will be addressed. Factors unique to the healthcare industry contribute to this problem and how personal biases, beliefs, and values will influence the current and future guidelines in the field of psychology and a future career in this field.

The Dangers of Sexual Misconduct in the Field of Psychology The field of psychology for individuals who work directly with clients creates dynamics that can foster an environment for sexual harassment and other types of harassment in the form of intimidation or abuse of power. Professional counselors are entrusted to protect the welfare of their clients, if sexual conduct in the form of dual relationship or abuse of power occurs during these client therapist relationships the element of trust is violated. Ethical codes and standards for mental health professionals contain provisions that prohibit these types of relationships. With that said, it still happens. The reasons why are vast, due to transference, counter-transference and the fact that behaviors can and are misconstrued on both individuals working so closely together.
Sexual Contact and Touching