This advanced talk builds on Relational Ethics Part 1 by shifting from theoretical foundations to practical application in couples therapy. Designed for psychologists and therapists working with relational systems, the talk addresses complex ethical challenges including confidentiality, dual relationships, autonomy, and power differentials.
Participants will explore how therapist communication and unconscious bias can impact referrals, therapeutic neutrality, and client safety—particularly in cases involving family estrangement, intergenerational dynamics, or domestic conflict. The course introduces strategies to maintain fairness in therapy using tools such as multi-directed partiality and dialogue-based intervention.
Real-world case examples will guide attendees through ethical dilemmas such as managing disclosures in individual sessions, navigating competing needs within the couple, and fostering equitable therapeutic alliances. Emphasis will be placed on upholding relational integrity while ensuring clinical sensitivity and accountability.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this talk, participants will be able to:
Apply the principles of relational ethics in complex couple therapy scenarios
Recognise and respond to ethical dilemmas involving confidentiality, bias, and dual relationships
Utilise tools such as multi-directed partiality to navigate power dynamics in couple relationships
Maintain therapeutic neutrality and integrity when working with sensitive relational disclosures
Integrate relational ethics into clinical decision-making and referral pathways