DUE 5/31
Respond to at least two of your colleagues on 2 different days by providing an additional scholarly resource that supports or challenges their position, along with a brief explanation of the resource.
BASIS AND ETHICAL/LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS OF PSYCHOTHERAPY
The brain is a dynamic organ, constantly adapting and changing based on our individual experiences. Through neuroplasticity, the brain has the ability to reconfigure neural pathways and form new connections. On a biological level, psychotherapy assists in accessing and restructuring unintegrated pathways in the brain, connecting them to an adaptive and regulated network (Wheeler, 2020). With technological advances in brain imaging, researchers have confirmation into the psychotherapeutic role that psychotherapy plays in the development and reintegration of neural pathways (Wheeler, 2020).
Cultural influences can have a significant impact on an individual’s perception of mental health. If a particular culture has a negative connotation associated with psychotherapy, they may be hesitant to reach out for help or be less compliant with treatment. For those individuals with this perception, mental health issues and psychotherapy can be seen as a form of weakness and incompetence. Religion can also play a role in an individual’s perspective of therapy. Those with strong held spiritual beliefs and convictions may prefer the guidance of someone skilled in faith-based counseling to assist in their healing journey. Incorporating a patient’s spirituality into their treatment can assist in promoting hope and provide a source of strength for that individual (Captari et al., 2018). Socioeconomic deprivation has been correlated with higher rates of mental health disorders, reduced access to care, and increased multi-level stressors (Delgadillo et al., 2018). Those struggling with these disadvantages experience resistance to psychotherapeutic interventions and a decreased sense of control and expectations (Delgadillo et al., 2018). When providing psychotherapy to a culturally diverse population, it is essential to be aware of any personal biases, continuously evaluating how those could potentially affect the therapeutic process.
Psychotherapy involving families and groups is multifaceted, bringing different ethical and legal challenges than those seen in individual therapy. In group therapy, the practitioner must deal with the dynamic and complex nature of the entire group, often expressing differing needs and interests. Documentation, working with minors, and confidentiality are a few of the areas that differ in family therapy as opposed to individual (Gehart, 2024). The rules around confidentiality change when there is more than one individual involved. It is important to set a policy around having no secrets or limited secrets during therapy with families. There needs to be a level of confidentiality with minors to build trust and encourage a therapeutic relationship. Information should only be given to parents if the child is in danger or is doing something compromising to his well-being. Documentation with a group or family should be stored in one file to ensure all the information stays tied together. If one individual requests records from the therapy group, all participants must authorize their release.
References
Captari, L. E., Hook, J. N., Hoyt, W., Davis, D. E., McElroy-Heltzel, S. E., & Worthington, E. L., Jr. (2018). Integrating clients’ religion and spirituality within psychotherapy: A comprehensive meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 74(11), 1938–1951. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.22681Links to an external site.
Delgadillo, J., Farnfield, A., & North, A. (2018). Social inequalities in the demand, supply and utilisation of psychological treatment. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 18(2), 114–121. https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.12169Links to an external site.
Gehart, D. R. (2024). Mastering competencies in family therapy: A practical approach to theories and clinical case documentation (4th ed.) Cengage
Wheeler, K. (Ed.). (2020). Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: A how-to guide for evidence-based practice (3rd ed.). Springer Publishing.