Evaluation - Ethical

• Ethical issues

  • Therapist + client relationship
  • False memory syndrome
  • Emotional harm
• Therapist + Client relationship

  • Potential power imbalance
  • Generally the therapist takes the export role, offering the patient an insight to their unconscious mind + for this reason the patient is reliant on the therapist making progress
• False Memory Syndrome

  • Affected by traumatic experiences
  • Suggested a patient is likely to succumb to the belief of the therapist as they are an authority figure
  • Toon et al (1996) suggests a therapist may induce false memories so the therapy will take longer + will make more financial gain
  • Patient may experience anxiety because of memories that didn't even happen
• Emotional harm

  • A therapist may guide a client towards an insight or interpretation that proves to be emotionally distressing
  • Although this insight may be necessary for recovery the distress caused may be greater than the distress the client is experiencing as a result of current problems
  • Important that psychotherapists warn their clients of this danger before they engage in the behaviour