Being an Ethical Rebel: Challenging the “Usual” in Ethics and Boundaries in Psychotherapy Practice

As our society changes, individuals, couples, and families become more complex, more traumatized, and more fragmented. Traditional intervention strategies frequently seem less effective and, in some instances, counterproductive. This workshop will discuss strategies that sometimes stretch the limits of what is considered ethical and “boundaried” practice such as: home visits, going with clients to medical appointments, sharing meals with clients, giving clients gifts, accepting gifts, social work in non-traditional locations (basketball courts, malls, restaurants), and more. Participants are encouraged to share difficult cases and to share struggles with readjusting boundaries and practice strategies with these cases.

Objectives:
Upon conclusion of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Identify current issues in social work practice that challenge traditional
  ethical and “boundaried” practice.
• Apply “rebellious” tactics to social work services in a variety of settings.
• Identify creative practice strategies that are still considered ethical.
• Challenge pre-existing notions of what constitutes a “good” boundary.
• Identify strategies for self-care and consultation around engaging in “ethical
  rebellion” in social work practice.