Ethical Challenges in Logotherapy Practice

Abstract

Emerging trends in the field of logotherapy have broadened the traditional scope of the practice with growing demands for ethical considerations in clinical judgments. Logotherapists, their clients, relatives and the larger society are experiencing more ethical dilemmas in areas such as confidentiality, disclosure, mode of therapy, and termination of therapy among others. It is expected that these challenges will continue to increase and even become more complex. Despite this, the academic and professional preparation of therapists in developing countries to cope with these issues is doubtful. The myriad of challenging, and often thorny cases encountered in clinical practice present ethical dilemmas with potential threat to the adoption of ethical standards in logotherapy practice. Further, many professionals attach little importance to client rights in making informed decisions in issues related to clinical care and research participation. Issues related to therapists’ responsibilities, client-therapist relationship and legal liability exemplify this. These challenges could reduce patients’ worth as persons. This paper reviews some current ethical challenges, as well as peculiar cases in professional logotherapy practice. The need for sound training and ethical consciousness among practitioners as a tool for making ethically-sound informed decisions in therapist-patient interaction were highlighted.

Key words: Challenges, emerging, logotherapy, practice.