Is it Ethical for Therapists to Look Up Patients on Facebook?

In the digital age, it is not uncommon to search for potential clients online. However, when it comes to psychological therapy, the boundaries between professional conduct and personal behavior are crucial. For therapists to look up their patients on social media like Facebook can raise significant ethical concerns. This article delves into the ethical implications and potential downsides of such actions.

The Unethical Nature of Threating Practice

The primary concern with therapists looking up their patients on social media is the fundamental violation of professional ethics. It is unethical for therapists to do so and even more problematic if they add patients as friends. If a patient encounters such behavior, they should immediately block the therapist and report them for unprofessional conduct to their county association. Seeking a new therapist is also an imperative step for the patient.

The Unpredictable Results of Blurring Boundaries

Studies and research consistently highlight that the therapeutic relationship has unique boundaries that differ from personal relationships. Engaging in such practices can lead to devastating consequences for both the patient and the therapist. For instance, maintaining proper boundaries ensures objectivity and professionalism, allowing for effective therapy without undue influences.

Therapists who breach these boundaries often find themselves in severe ruptures with clients. These ruptures can result in a termination of therapy that is highly detrimental to the patient. Additionally, such actions can pose potential license problems for the therapist, compromising their professional standing.

The Ethical Boundaries in Therapy

Therapy involves a unique set of boundaries that must be strictly maintained. These include:

1. The Distinction Between Therapy and Social Life

Your therapist is not a friend, lover, sibling, spouse, or family member. The therapy relationship involves emotional intimacy but in a professional context. It is essential to keep therapy within the boundaries of the therapy room and not project it into social media or personal interactions.

2. Professional Distance and Objectivity

Therapists must maintain a professional distance to ensure objectivity and professionalism in decision-making. This helps in creating a healthy therapeutic environment where clients can focus on their recovery without undue personal influences.

3. Avoiding Dependency and Promoting Independence

Therapists should avoid behavior that increases dependence and decreases independence in their clients. Encouraging clients to develop coping skills and successfully separate from the therapist is crucial for long-term recovery.

The Shrinking Therapy Room

Too much contact between therapy sessions can dangerously erode the therapeutic environment. When therapists engage in extensive interactions outside of therapy sessions, it risks transforming those interactions into quasi-therapy. This can lead to what has been described as "flaming dumpster fires" - unstable and deteriorating therapeutic relationships.

Examples of acceptable communication outside of therapy sessions include:

Scheduling issues Contact during a crisis to provide additional support at a pre-negotiated fee Emailing topics, events, issues, or conversation points for upcoming sessions

While these forms of communication can be necessary, exceeding these boundaries can undermine the therapeutic process and lead to imbalances in the relationship.

In conclusion, the ethical boundaries in therapy are essential to ensure the well-being and recovery of patients. Engaging in actions that blur these boundaries, such as looking up patients on social media, can have severe and damaging consequences. It is crucial for therapists to maintain clear boundaries to provide effective and professional therapy.