Mythology and Ethics

In Mythology and Ethics the authors note the difficulty in navigating emotional and values-based conflicts. Cases of counter-transference are common and require an awareness by the therapist to address the conflict. Sometimes a referral could be necessary. But when such conflicts are values-based, ethical bracketing is recommended, which runs counter-intuitive to countertransference. Individual change, even for therapists, can be difficult, and although the research basis for counter-transference is well-established, extant research on ethical bracketing is very limited. Such issues, along with other ethical mandates such as confidentiality, can compromise client trust. Moreover, although therapists may strive to be honest with clients, transparency and honesty are not always easy to maintain. Therapists cannot guarantee the success of a client or know that an intervention will be effective. Yet, such statements often persist in counseling.