26. Give an example of a time when you had to address a ethical dilemma in your work as a clinical therapist.

One example of a time when I had to address an ethical dilemma in my work as a clinical therapist was when I had a client who confided in me about a past incident of domestic violence. The ethical dilemma was whether or not to report this information to the authorities. In order to address this dilemma, I consulted with my supervisor and reviewed the ethical guidelines of my profession. Ultimately, I decided to report the incident to ensure the safety of my client and others involved. It was a difficult decision, but I believe it was the right thing to do.

In my work as a clinical therapist, I encountered an ethical dilemma when a client disclosed during a therapy session that they were engaged in self-harm. The evaluation areas of ethical decision-making, confidentiality, and collaboration were all crucial in resolving this situation. Firstly, I needed to make an ethical decision about the best course of action to ensure the safety and well-being of my client. I carefully assessed the severity of the self-harm behavior, and based on the professional guidelines, I determined that it warranted immediate intervention. In order to maintain confidentiality, I provided my client with the option to seek help themselves, but also explained that if their safety was at risk, it may be necessary to involve other professionals. Collaborating with my client in this decision-making process helped empower them and preserve their autonomy. Ultimately, we decided together that it was in their best interest to reach out for support from a trusted individual in their life. This collaborative approach not only respected their confidentiality but also involved them in the decision-making process, which is an essential aspect of therapy.

The solid answer expands on the example provided in the basic answer by including specific details of the ethical dilemma and how the candidate addressed it using the evaluation areas. It demonstrates their understanding of ethical decision-making, confidentiality, and collaboration. However, it could still be improved by providing more specific examples of how the candidate utilized their communication and interpersonal skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.

As a clinical therapist, I have encountered various ethical dilemmas throughout my career, and one memorable example was when a client disclosed to me during a therapy session that they were experiencing suicidal thoughts. This presented a significant ethical decision-making challenge for me. I immediately prioritized the safety and well-being of my client and followed the necessary protocols to ensure their immediate safety. I contacted the appropriate emergency services and collaboratively worked with my client to develop a safety plan. It was essential for me to maintain confidentiality while ensuring their safety, so I thoroughly explained the limits of confidentiality and the importance of involving other professionals in this critical situation. Furthermore, I continuously monitored their progress and provided ongoing support, ensuring they had access to resources such as crisis hotlines and support groups. This experience emphasized the significance of critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration in the field of clinical therapy.

The exceptional answer goes beyond the solid answer by providing a more detailed example of an ethical dilemma the candidate faced in their work as a clinical therapist. It demonstrates their ability to critically assess the situation, make prompt decisions, and collaborate effectively with the client to ensure their safety and well-being. Additionally, the candidate highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and ongoing support to address the client's needs. However, to further enhance the answer, the candidate could provide additional specific examples of how they utilized their expertise in therapeutic techniques and interventions, as well as their knowledge of local and federal regulations pertaining to mental health care.