Comments on: Internet Searches: Therapists Reaching Beyond, All In Good Faith?

By: Sheri

Sheri — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 16:13:27 +0000

I think these issues need to be left with therapist and client to discuss in a respectful way and make meaning of the dilema within a particular therapeutic dyad. Some therapists communicate with clients via email – some won’t even go there. Depending on the therapists orientation and beliefs about what constitutes good therapy, what impinges on the therapy, they can come to an agreement. Also privacy setting exist on facebook etc and therapists and clients can choose how much they share and make meaning of that in therapy. People are not black and white, so this issue is as diverse as the people who share it. My clients have attempted to add me on facebook, we have a conversation about their add request, i do not add them, however that is my choice and we make meaning together with clients what it means to them and how they feel when i wont add them, all is explored, feelings, fantasies, hopes, expectations – rich material for therapy

By: Lansia

Lansia — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:15:09 +0000

Hm. Good points. I’m not going to argue otherwise, as this is about as philosophical as I get… Ha.

I think this is an issue where it may come down to the very specific details of the relationship and how the two in the relationship perceive each other. I’ll get back to you after the fact, when my therapy is complete. Whoops. I meant, *if* I ever come to a situation similar… Of course…

By: Heather

Heather — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:08:23 +0000

Well, professionals of this sort spend a lot of time being wary of “entering into dual relationships” with patients. IE, spending time with them in any capacity other than treatment. Not that it doesn’t happen, but it’s definitely something therapists are already wary of – or should be, ethically speaking. Therefore, with the new connotations to the word “friend” that have come along with social media sites, I feel that therapists should be even more aware of that kind of relationship – and treat this “new” sort of friendship just as they did before Facebook was around.

At least, that’s my opinion. Whereas seeking out public info (which people should also be more aware of what parts of their lives they make public, for these very reasons) might be justified in some cases, becoming members of a “private” group online with someone you have a professional relationship with is crossing into more dangerous territory.

By: Lansia

Lansia — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:59:23 +0000

Heather — I may agree with you, but I still feel there are shades of gray. What if the tables were turned and the patient befriended the therapist? And what happens after the fact, after the therapy. Say, a patient and therapist hit it off and decided to remain friends. Is it okay to remain friends and thus, Facebook friends?

In past posts, I’ve mentioned I am a huge Facebook-er, often using it to network. Perhaps a therapist, after the fact, may fall into that category… Just rambling, though. I’m not sure I’ve committed to this take just yet.

By: Heather

Heather — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:51:57 +0000

Wow, this comment really does bring up another question: When first posed, “Is it ethical for a therapist to fish out a patient’s blog, Facebook, website or other readily available information on the Internet?” that seems to be, as you said, not so black and white. Sometimes it’s ok, some reasons justify it… But, to say “Is it ok for your therapist to friend you?” That’s where I have to say it’s a pretty clear black & white answer: No! That’s not ok! And why would a therapist want to do that anyway – so that s/he could log some Facebook hours as billable time? I mean, seriously. That’s the line, I think.

By: Lansia

Lansia — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:56:40 +0000

That’s a good point, Michael. I would assume the article means easily accessible sites — Facebook, MySpace, blogs, etc. Then, maybe any other sites a patient may have authored. Of course, many social networking sites are controlled through privacy settings, so that brings up the question… Is it ethical for therapists to join these networks and befriend a patient? I think it’s a very jumbled matter that will take time and experience to navigate. And even then, things may not be so clear…

In regards to the public records question… If they are “public” records, wouldn’t be accessible by all? Any examples of what may or may not be accessed?

Thanks for the comment! YES: Reader interaction — love it.

By: Michael Green

Michael Green — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 23:16:57 +0000

I think it should be fine – basically, by putting anything up on the internet, you’re saying it’s OK for ANYBODY to look it over. Obviously, there are more privatized sites, but I didn’t pick up from the article above that those sites were in question.

Another question to ask – what other types of ‘public records’ exist that can or cannot be accessed by psychiatrists and other medical experts?