Psychology In Seattle Podcast Couple Therapy Ethics Case
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Jan 12, 2026 A deep dive into a malpractice case unfolds, focusing on a couple's therapy gone wrong. The discussion highlights the challenges of transitioning to individual therapy after divorce and the crucial importance of informed consent. Confidentiality breaches become a central theme, especially when custody battles ignite. Ethical dilemmas surface as a therapist makes contentious custody recommendations, leading to a legal showdown. Dr. Kirk shares practical advice while reflecting on personal panic experiences, making for an engaging and informative listen.
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Role Shift Requires Renewed Consent
- Recognize a role shift when couple therapy ends and individual therapy begins; new therapeutic goals are required for each client.
- Failing to perform a revised informed-consent process creates ethical and legal exposure.
Divorce Fuels Biased Parenting Claims
- Divorce often escalates conflict and can produce alarming but biased claims about parenting during custody fights.
- Therapists must treat such claims skeptically and avoid overreaching beyond their clinical role.
Don't Act As Forensic Evaluator
- Avoid writing custody recommendation letters as a treating therapist because you lack forensic objectivity and training.
- Refer to a forensic parenting evaluator when the court needs an objective assessment.