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Professional Ethics: Code of Conduct and Boundaries Review

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1.  Which of the following best describes "appropriate boundaries in professional practice" for behavioral health practice? Flexible principles that allow dual relationships if appropriately disclosed. Having no rules so therapists can make situational decisions. Ignoring ethical guidelines in small or rural communities when unavoidable. The ethical guidelines and principles behavioral health practice must follow to maintain appropriate professional relationships with clients and uphold integrity.

2.  Strategies to maintain appropriate boundaries in therapy include: obtaining informed consent outlining rules and expectations, tracking and limiting contact time, using self-disclosure judiciously, and seeking consultation when unsure about potential boundary crossings. allowing for flexible start and end times, liberal self-disclosure to build rapport, and utilization of clinical judgment only when exploring potential boundary crossings. obtaining informed consent outlines rules and expectations, using clinical judgment only when exploring potential boundary crossings, and implementing a “chance system” when patients begin boundary-pushing. implementing a “chance system” when patients begin boundary pushing, tracking and limiting contact time, and using liberal self disclosure to build rapport.

3.  Which of the following statements accurately describes Compassion Fatigue (CF)? CF is identical to trauma symptoms and requires direct trauma exposure. CF causes an increased connection to the emotions of clients. CF is unrelated to the client’s emotional experiences and only results from personal unresolved trauma. CF emerges from empathizing with clients' emotional pain and is often termed the "cost of caring.”

4.  Which of the following strategies are recommended for addressing repeated boundary issues in therapeutic practice? Ignoring transference and countertransference dynamics to maintain a professional demeanor. Avoid discussions with colleagues to avoid revealing potential weaknesses. Remaining oblivious to changes in your therapeutic approach to ensure consistency. Seeking peer consultation to gain insights and support in managing boundary challenges.

5.  Which of the following strategies are recommended for effectively managing boundaries in virtual therapy, social media, and communication with clients? Allowing personal and professional profiles to intermingle online for a more authentic presence. Keeping privacy settings off on personal social media profiles to maintain transparency. Setting up a separate professional online profile to establish a clear boundary between personal and work-related interactions. Promoting constant availability to clients in order to foster stronger dependency and trust.

6.  In rural settings, behavioral health professionals face unique challenges regarding dual relationships. What should behavioral health professionals prioritize to ensure ethical and effective practice? Ignoring the potential for dual relationships due to the limited professional options in rural areas. Establishing dual relationships to build stronger connections with close knit communities. Maintaining professional boundaries to prevent conflicts of interest and protect therapeutic efficacy. Avoiding transparent communication with patients about the challenges of rural dual relationships.

7.  What characterizes the nature of overlapping relationships between behavioral health professionals and patients in rural healthcare settings? Overlapping relationships are entirely avoidable due to well-defined codes of conduct. Overlapping relationships are nonexistent due to strict ethical guidelines. Overlapping relationships are inevitable due to close community ties in rural settings. Overlapping relationships are prohibited by social work codes but allowed by other professional codes.

8.  Which approach is suggested for navigating the complex professional boundary issues arising from overlapping relationships in rural healthcare? Ignoring contextual factors to maintain rigid boundaries in all cases. Applying uniform ethical guidelines provided by various professional codes. Employing self-reflection, considering potential harms, and adapting to contextual needs. Relying solely on virtue and care ethics for guidance.

9.  What is a dual relationship in the context of behavioral health practice? A situation where a behavioral health professional maintains multiple personal relationships with clients. A therapeutic approach involving simultaneous treatment of multiple clients. A form of therapy that combines personal and professional counseling. When a behavioral health professional holds multiple roles or relationships with a client beyond the therapeutic one.

10.  What distinguishes a boundary crossing from a boundary violation in behavioral health practice? A boundary crossing involves a departure from ethical guidelines, while a boundary violation adheres to established norms. A boundary violation occurs when a behavioral health professional's personal life interferes with their professional relationships. A boundary crossing refers to a therapist's flexible approach to therapy, while a boundary violation involves rigid adherence to therapeutic norms. A boundary violation harms the therapist's judgment, while a boundary crossing compromises the client's welfare.