Ethics and Facebook

[CounselingGirl]

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I was just wondering what everyone thought about this. Obviously, dual relationships are unethical (and are specifically addressed in the ACA code of ethics).

Do you think it's okay to be facebook friends with a professor or supervisor?

What about clients?


*Note: Don't worry, I'm not facebook friends with clients.

 

[erg923]

Do you consider your patient's to be your friends? If not, then you have your answer.

My supervisor allows us to friend her on Facebook if we so chose, but only after our dissertation is defended...lol

 

[AgapeBlue]

Someone is either your client, or your friend. Not both.

As for professors/mentors, etc....once I no longer work with them in a professional capacity, then I have no issue "friending" them on Facebook if our relationship is close enough to merit it.

AB🙂

 

[O Gurl]

Supervisor- yes (well, certain supervisors)
Client- never

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I know people who are FB friends with former supervisors/mentors, but I am not. I am "connected" to a few former supervisors on LinkedIn, but I think that is a different kind of social networking.

 

[Ollie123]

Agree with the above. Coworkers/supervisors are one thing (though even then it is very important to be careful and is VERY person-dependent). Clients are a whole other ballgame, and I cannot fathom a situation where that would be appropriate.

 

[psyrob]

I think everyone agrees on the client thing. I'll sidestep the ethical implications in friending a supervisor/professor, but I would remind anyone thinking of adding a supervisor/professor that you would have to be very careful what you post on Facebook.

I was just wondering what everyone thought about this. Obviously, dual relationships are unethical (and are specifically addressed in the ACA code of ethics).

Do you think it's okay to be facebook friends with a professor or supervisor?

What about clients?


*Note: Don't worry, I'm not facebook friends with clients.

 

[Hadashi no Gen]

I don't understand why it would EVER be acceptable to "friend" a client on facebook, or any other networking website on the internet. Based on the ACA Code of Ethics, "friending" a client on facebook would seem inappropriate based, at least, on section A.5.c...

A.5.c. Nonprofessional Interactions or Relationships (Other Than Sexual or Romantic Interactions or Relationships)
Counselor–client nonprofessional relationships with clients, former clients, their romantic partners, or their family members should be avoided, except when the interaction is potentially beneficial to the client.

I have not read the APA code of ethics, but I imagine that it would probably be similar.

With professors/supervisors, I imagine that it would depend a lot on the school's policy. Personally, I would never "friend" a boss, or someone with authority over me, on facebook... simply because I want to keep my personal and professional lives as separate as possible.

 

[Hurstw]

I can see why friending a current client is not a good idea. But why is friending a former client such a big deal? What if the former client also happens to be a therapist? It's not like such former client would have unrealistic expectations of the former therapist, or would he?

 

[Hadashi no Gen]

Since we have basically all determined the same thing about facebook, etc... what are some ways that you prevent clients from being able to find/friend you?

I have been writing my middle & last name backwards... but have still found myself when doing test-searches.

 

[Student4Life0]

I can see why friending a current client is not a good idea. But why is friending a former client such a big deal? What if the former client also happens to be a therapist? It's not like such former client would have unrealistic expectations of the former therapist, or would he?

No offense, but I really hope that you are not a psychology student. Only because I would really question what your program is teaching you, if you are indeed a student. The short answer to this would be no, it would not be appropriate to friend a current OR former client.

 

[Hadashi no Gen]

No offense, but I really hope that you are not a psychology student. Only because I would really question what your program is teaching you, if you are indeed a student. The short answer to this would be no, it would not be appropriate to friend a current OR former client.

What does the APA code of ethics say about personal relationships after the therapeutic relationship has come to an end? The ACA code only specifies with regard to sexual/romantic relationships (A.5.b), and that there needs to be a 5 year period between when therapy ended and when the relationship started, with proof that there was no forethought, exploitation, or potential to harm the client. Although I recommend against personal relationships with a client at any time in a therapist's life (potential to misuse power dynamics, etc)... I don't see anything in the ACA's code preventing regular personal relations with former clients.

 

[Student4Life0]

What does the APA code of ethics say about personal relationships after the therapeutic relationship has come to an end? The ACA code only specifies with regard to sexual/romantic relationships (A.5.b), and that there needs to be a 5 year period between when therapy ended and when the relationship started, with proof that there was no forethought, exploitation, or potential to harm the client. Although I recommend against personal relationships with a client at any time in a therapist's life (potential to misuse power dynamics, etc)... I don't see anything in the ACA's code preventing regular personal relations with former clients.

Even if it is not explicitly stated in the code of ethics, think of the possible implications. This is something that we have actually discussed in my courses. Perhaps the former client sees something on the therapist's fb that they deem inappropriate, upsetting, arousing, or any other number of things. Having this sort of relationship may change the client's perception of the therapist, and although treatment has ended, this may color the client's perception of what went on in treatment. In addition, what if the client eventually needs to return to treatment? I just don't understand why anyone would take these risks. It seems very unprofessional.

 

[Hurstw]

No offense, but I really hope that you are not a psychology student. Only because I would really question what your program is teaching you, if you are indeed a student. The short answer to this would be no, it would not be appropriate to friend a current OR former client.

As a human being, what if you like your former client and your former client likes you? Are you going to let your life be dictated by some arbitrary code of ethics (they vary from association to association, don't they) that is based on a myriad of "what if" scenarios? I couldn't care less about any code of ethics. I would make a decision based on my intentions, the former client's intentions, and my understanding as well as the former client's understanding of the inherit imbalance in the relationship. Does the former client understand that I am a flawed human being, like everyone else? Or does he perceive as an all-powerful figure? If my intentions were to exploit or hurt the former client, or if it were evident that the former client does not share my understanding of the relationship, or does not have the capacity to handle the relationship, then my own sense of ethics would forbid me from befriending such former client. But not someone else's code of ethics.

 

[Hadashi no Gen]

Even if it is some explicitly stated in the code of ethics, think of the possible implications. This is something that we have actually discussed in my courses. Perhaps the former client sees something on the therapist's fb that they deem inappropriate, upsetting, arousing, or any other number of things. Having this sort of relationship may change the client's perception of the therapist, and although treatment has ended, this may color the client's perception of what went on in treatment. In addition, what if the client eventually needs to return to treatment? I just don't understand why anyone would take these risks. It seems very unprofessional.

I hope that you are not misunderstanding my reasons for writing about the lack of mention in the code of ethics. I am not suggesting that a psychology professional become friends (in real life or online) with former clients. However what you suggest, and what I agree on, is based on personal ethics... and that is not what protects professionals and our clients. If we are going to make a professional decision about anything, there should be language to support it... and that is very important. There are, unfortunately, people in the profession who could/would manipulate the law to get what they want. Clients can also, unfortunately, be interested in their therapists in ways which are not-so-healthy... and for this reason I think that it would be important to include something in ethical codes about post-therapeutic, AND, electronic relationships.

Just imagine if you became friends with a client years after therapy ended and something confidential slipped out either in a social situation or on the internet. It wouldn't be in the best interest of the client, or you as a professional.

 

[Hadashi no Gen]

As a human being, what if you like your former client and your former client likes you? Are you going to let your life be dictated by some arbitrary code of ethics (they vary from association to association, don't they) that is based on a myriad of "what if" scenarios? I couldn't care less about any code of ethics. I would make a decision based on my intentions, the former client's intentions, and my understanding as well as the former client's understanding of the inherit imbalance in the relationship. Does the former client understand that I am a flawed human being, like everyone else? Or does he perceive as an all-powerful figure? If my intentions were to exploit or hurt the former client, or if it were evident that the former client does not share my understanding of the relationship, or does not have the capacity to handle the relationship, then my own sense of ethics would forbid me from befriending such former client. But not someone else's code of ethics.

Your safest choice would be to elope to Mexico.

 

[Phipps]

Even if it is not explicitly stated in the code of ethics, think of the possible implications. This is something that we have actually discussed in my courses. Perhaps the former client sees something on the therapist's fb that they deem inappropriate, upsetting, arousing, or any other number of things. Having this sort of relationship may change the client's perception of the therapist, and although treatment has ended, this may color the client's perception of what went on in treatment. In addition, what if the client eventually needs to return to treatment? I just don't understand why anyone would take these risks. It seems very unprofessional.

I fully agree with most of you re: befriending a client which is indeed a big NO NO. I can see how clients desire to have a therapist as friend though...and I am sure there is a lot of positive transference and fantasies/idealizing about who the therapist is. Who would not want to have such an amount of empathy, attention, understanding and the such all the time. Yet it is within the therapeutic hour that those things happen;

anyway, while I agree on the client part I do wonder about becoming friends with a former professor. Once a student graduates and leaves the program (if prof. was not the supervisor), would that be different from client/therapist dyad? What do you think??

Phipps

 

[Student4Life0]

Your safest choice would be to elope to Mexico.

Lololol

 

[Student4Life0]

As a human being, what if you like your former client and your former client likes you? Are you going to let your life be dictated by some arbitrary code of ethics (they vary from association to association, don't they) that is based on a myriad of "what if" scenarios? I couldn't care less about any code of ethics. I would make a decision based on my intentions, the former client's intentions, and my understanding as well as the former client's understanding of the inherit imbalance in the relationship. Does the former client understand that I am a flawed human being, like everyone else? Or does he perceive as an all-powerful figure? If my intentions were to exploit or hurt the former client, or if it were evident that the former client does not share my understanding of the relationship, or does not have the capacity to handle the relationship, then my own sense of ethics would forbid me from befriending such former client. But not someone else's code of ethics.

"I couldn't care less about any code of ethics." This may be the wrong profession for you.

 

[Student4Life0]

Hurstw, judging by your other post on transference issues, I am beginning to wonder what the real agenda is. Perhaps it is something that is not appropriate for an online forum...

 

[Hurstw]

Hurstw, judging by your other post on transference issues, I am beginning to wonder what the real agenda is. Perhaps it is something that is not appropriate for an online forum...

It's just that I find your primitive sense of morality very risible.

 

[Hadashi no Gen]

I fully agree with most of you re: befriending a client which is indeed a big NO NO. I can see how clients desire to have a therapist as friend though...and I am sure there is a lot of positive transference and fantasies/idealizing about who the therapist is. Who would not want to have such an amount of empathy, attention, understanding and the such all the time. Yet it is within the therapeutic hour that those things happen;

anyway, while I agree on the client part I do wonder about becoming friends with a former professor. Once a student graduates and leaves the program (if prof. was not the supervisor), would that be different from client/therapist dyad? What do you think??

Phipps

I my opinion professors become colleagues, equal to you, once they are no-longer in a position of authority over you (after you graduate/leave a program). I don't see why it would be wrong to officially become friends with them. Students tend to form pretty close professional relationships with their professors during their program anyway.

The only thing standing in the way could be if they know a certain amount of confidential information about you, but you don't know any about them (ie: if you have disclosed a lot of confidential stuff during supervision). As far as I am concerned, this would make it the same as a therapist/client relationship... wherein the power dynamic is definitely one-sided.

 

[Student4Life0]

It's just that I find your primitive sense of morality very risible.

My sense of morality is according to what I feel is best for my clients. It is my responsibility as a therapist to do no harm to my clients and to protect our therapeutic relationship and keep it just that, therapeutic. If I want a friend, I will go out to lunch with my best friend. If I want a date, I will call my boyfriend. I don't see the therapy room as an appropriate place to make new friends.

 

[Hadashi no Gen]

It's just that I find your primitive sense of morality very risible.

Hey Hurstw,

As students/professionals and human beings, which you stated, these are the only things that all of us have in common here. As human beings, we all have a different moral base and judgment when it comes to what is helpful/hurtful to others. As (pre-)professionals, we choose to decide on a common code to protect ourselves as well as our clients. However arbitrary you may think they are, codes of ethics have been created by those within our profession(s) as moral for our profession. If you are having ethical/moral concerns about choices that you could make while working in the field, maybe being a therapist is not the right thing for you to do. Without placing judgment on personal opinions (we all have them), entering into any profession while disagreeing with its legal/ethical implications will only put you in a position to harm yourself down the road.

The last thing that you want to do, hopefully, is lose your license and/or end up in jail.

Best of luck.

 

[psich]

As a human being, what if you like your former client and your former client likes you? Are you going to let your life be dictated by some arbitrary code of ethics (they vary from association to association, don't they) that is based on a myriad of "what if" scenarios? I couldn't care less about any code of ethics. I would make a decision based on my intentions, the former client's intentions, and my understanding as well as the former client's understanding of the inherit imbalance in the relationship. Does the former client understand that I am a flawed human being, like everyone else? Or does he perceive as an all-powerful figure? If my intentions were to exploit or hurt the former client, or if it were evident that the former client does not share my understanding of the relationship, or does not have the capacity to handle the relationship, then my own sense of ethics would forbid me from befriending such former client. But not someone else's code of ethics.

Oh dear.

You mentioned in earlier posts that you are interested in transference and countertransference. I'm sure you could understand how engaging in a relationship beyond that of a professional relationship with a patient in treatment could be detrimental to the patient's therapy due to these very factors.

For example, an individual with a borderline personality might want a deeper relationship with a psychologist or practitioner, and the latter might feel the same (countertransference), but the reason why ethics exist is to protect both parties. That's why clinicians need to be aware of their own issues before conducting therapy. And this just isn't limited to people with personality disorders. Maintaining boundaries is an important part of conducting therapy - as a human being AND as a person with knowledge and authority, it is your responsibility to abide by regulations. It is expected of you to do so when you accept the title of a psychologist or master's level mental health clinician.

 

[Hurstw]

My sense of morality is according to what I feel is best for my clients. It is my responsibility as a therapist to do no harm to my clients and to protect our therapeutic relationship and keep it just that, therapeutic. If I want a friend, I will go out to lunch with my best friend. If I want a date, I will call my boyfriend. I don't see the therapy room as an appropriate place to make new friends.

Then why treat your clients as something they are not and will never be? If someone is extremely nice to you, wanting to be friends with them is a normal response. In that sense I think that sometimes therapists, by being too nice, do their patients more harm than good.

Then again, I am just a college sophomore who can't even sort out his own transference issues, so what do I know.

 

[Student4Life0]

Then again, I am just a college sophomore who can't even sort out his own transference issues, so what do I know.

Exactly. You are hoping to use this forum as a place to explore your own transference issues, and the possible wrongs that your previous therapist committed. However, we have no real way of knowing who was in the wrong, nor is that any of our jobs. I hope you can find some solace in whatever happened to you, but this isn't the place to do it.

 

[Hadashi no Gen]

Unfortunately this thread was hijacked and brought away from the original topic of facebook use as therapists. Is there a way that we can bring it back?

Use of and conduct on Facebook is something that I always hear people in our feild talk about. Especially students, since many of us are younger and more plugged in than our professors/supervisors/colleagues.

Also, I am wondering what may be some ways that we can protect ourselves but still live normal lives "online"?

 

[jexa]

Unfortunately this thread was hijacked and brought away from the original topic. Is there a way that we can bring it back?

Therapists' use of and conduct on Facebook is something that I always hear people talk about. Especially students, since many of use are younger and more plugged in than our professors/supervisors. How are some ways that we can protect ourselves, but still live normal lives "online"?

Well, I don't think our lives will be exactly the same online, but it's pretty easy to maintain a Facebook account - just use the maximum privacy settings. Search yourself every once in a while and see what comes up. A good website to search yourself is pipl.com -- it does a deep web search and will basically uncover almost anything your clients could find out about you online. If this search reveals nothing, then you're good!

A friend of mine who is a current clinical PhD grad student didn't have good privacy settings on his FB account -- a client saw pictures of him partying and drinking -- this client reported him to his supervisor and requested a different therapist. So, word of warning.

 

[Phipps]

As far as I am concerned, this would make it the same as a therapist/client relationship... wherein the power dynamic is definitely one-sided.[/QUOTE]

Yep. Good point. I agree. There may be an imbalance in terms of information which is also the difference to a private friendship where it should be more mutual.

 

[PsychScience]

Are you going to let your life be dictated by some arbitrary code of ethics (they vary from association to association, don't they) that is based on a myriad of "what if" scenarios?

Absolutely yes, I will let my life be guided by a code of ethics, because the code is far from arbitrary. Rather, it was designed to protect the profession, the person, and the public. However, for some people they are not willing to be guided by ethics- in which case, clinical psychology may not be an ideal fit (I'm in no way implying that the ethics code is perfect, it isn't, and there is lots of gray areas, I just don't think that friending a client on facebook is a gray area).

As to facebook- the issue of friending a professor or supervisor is going to be guided by the situation. In general, if a faculty or supervisor makes the request, I accept. However, to date, I have never sent a friend request myself to a faculty member or supervisor. This is not a problem for me because I have a very limited profile with lots of security to protect any information. In this way it is more of a business networking tool and I feel pretty comfortable about it. I'm also very conscious of what I make a status update....

 

[aagman01]

I think this HurstW poster is posting numerous red flags, in this thread and in the CT thread. Is there some way to kick a poster out? Or should she/he just be ignored?

Oh dear.

You mentioned in earlier posts that you are interested in transference and countertransference. I'm sure you could understand how engaging in a relationship beyond that of a professional relationship with a patient in treatment could be detrimental to the patient's therapy due to these very factors.

For example, an individual with a borderline personality might want a deeper relationship with a psychologist or practitioner, and the latter might feel the same (countertransference), but the reason why ethics exist is to protect both parties. That's why clinicians need to be aware of their own issues before conducting therapy. And this just isn't limited to people with personality disorders. Maintaining boundaries is an important part of conducting therapy - as a human being AND as a person with knowledge and authority, it is your responsibility to abide by regulations. It is expected of you to do so when you accept the title of a psychologist or master's level mental health clinician.

 

[Hadashi no Gen]

Whatever happens, I am a big fan of your avatar, aagman01.

 

[psich]

Then again, I am just a college sophomore who can't even sort out his own transference issues, so what do I know.

What concerns me about this line is that I think he was just being sarcastic and didn't really mean it.

 

[Hurstw]

What concerns me about this line is that I think he was just being sarcastic and didn't really mean it.

I meant it. I have only taken intro to psychology courses. I still haven't done any advanced work or taken courses on counseling or ethics. Obviously I don't know about these subjects as much as grad students do. Maybe there is something I'm missing and for that reason I don't know how see these issues from your perspective.

The thing that amuses me (if my opinion means anything) is that you guys are now freaking out about clients seeing your pictures on facebook. If I went to facebook and saw a picture of my therapist drinking a beer or dancing at a party I would likely conclude the obvious: my therapist is human. Then again, it is true that some clients idolize their therapists and might be surprised to learn that their therapists are human...

 

[psich]

I meant it. I have only taken intro to psychology courses. I still haven't done any advanced work or taken courses on counseling or ethics. Obviously I don't know about these subjects as much as grad students do. Maybe there is something I'm missing and for that reason I don't know how see these issues from your perspective.

The thing that amuses me (if my opinion means anything) is that you guys are now freaking out about clients seeing your pictures on facebook. If I went to facebook and saw a picture of my therapist drinking a beer or dancing at a party I would likely conclude the obvious: my therapist is human. Then again, it is true that some clients idolize their therapists and might be surprised to learn that their therapists are human...

Yes, you have a point that therapists are human. But as jexa pointed out in her example, that particular client did not feel comfortable seeing his therapist in that context and the doctoral student ended up losing a patient. This is just one example where there are very real consequences and risks to putting personal things in a place where another could find it. I think we have a legitimate reason to be concerned about putting personal things in public view because it could compromise the therapeutic relationship, cost a person their client, even cost a person their job...and I don't think these possibilities are a stretch.

Although there is a "person"-al relationship when it comes to the therapeutic relationship, it is not personal in the traditional sense - it is professional. We are not just humans...we are acting as professionals and that comes with social roles and responsibilities. I also don't think that having a strong reaction to seeing a professional in similar situations as mentioned would be a matter of idolizing their therapists...I think it is a reaction that many people might have when seeing someone outside of their assigned role.

 

[Hadashi no Gen]

I hope that you will some day understand that ethical practice is the one thing that keeps our profession credible, progressive, and useful for our clients.

 

[futureapppsy2]

Holy red flags....

One way to think about it is that boundaries, strong boundaries, are needed because the client-clinician relationship is often deeply, deeply personal--but in order to be effective, it also needs to remain professional. Good clinicians need to have warmth and empathy, yes, but they also bring a professional distance (not to mention knowledge and training) that is, in many ways, just as important to the relationship. Lack of boundaries can harm the client and clinician's ability to work effectively together.

 

[starsinnight]

WOW to this thread.

I have my fb on the highest standards and am hopefully extremely unsearchable. But even if I were, there really shouldn't be anything on anyones fb account that could get you in trouble (but I'm not your mom so thats up to you).

But regarding facebooking clients - there was just an article on this in one of this years APAGS magazines. According to them, it is OK. But with an exception. You make two accounts, one being your personal one and another being your professional account. Your professional account lists your websites and is used as a resource for clients and others in the psych field - posting helpful links and worksheets and videos, etc. Kind of like a business profile, but for you. However, I would never personally want to be "friends" with any of my clients or customers at any of my previous jobs, but I guess I keep my privacy levels on high due to the population I work with.

About facebook friending supervisors, it depends on them. One of my supervisors I won't and another one added me and it took me about a year to accept it. Professors I have never felt the urge to do so, not sure why I would want to - maybe afterwards to keep in touch.

But yeah, i believe its personal preference as long as you are keeping strictly to the code of ethics and keeping everything professional.

 

[Hadashi no Gen]

But regarding facebooking clients - there was just an article on this in one of this years APAGS magazines. According to them, it is OK. But with an exception. You make two accounts, one being your personal one and another being your professional account. Your professional account lists your websites and is used as a resource for clients and others in the psych field - posting helpful links and worksheets and videos, etc. Kind of like a business profile, but for you. However, I would never personally want to be "friends" with any of my clients or customers at any of my previous jobs, but I guess I keep my privacy levels on high due to the population I work with.

This sounds like a really cool idea, and makes sense for the most part... but what about clients being able to see your other "friends," who might also be clients? Is there a setting on facebook to block "friends" from seeing your other "friends"?

 

[FuturePhD2]

Yeah this has some flaws in terms of confidentiality. I think there is a setting where friends can't see other friends. You would also have to turn off the wall feature in this case, because that could also "out" someone as your client if they posted something.

 

[cara susanna]

The therapist has to be objective. The Ethics Code allows multiple relationships IF you can demonstrate that your objectivity will not be impaired and it will not harm or exploit the client. However, you have to think about all possible scenarios. What if this former client invites you to an event? Will you feel comfortable turning him/her down? How will you tell others that you met this client? Can you honestly interact with this client in a way that will not at all be influenced by your professional relationship? Will your client really feel comfortable in this situation? Things like that are what you have to consider.

 

[roubs]

WOW to this thread.

I have my fb on the highest standards and am hopefully extremely unsearchable. But even if I were, there really shouldn't be anything on anyones fb account that could get you in trouble (but I'm not your mom so thats up to you).

But regarding facebooking clients - there was just an article on this in one of this years APAGS magazines. According to them, it is OK. But with an exception. You make two accounts, one being your personal one and another being your professional account. Your professional account lists your websites and is used as a resource for clients and others in the psych field - posting helpful links and worksheets and videos, etc. Kind of like a business profile, but for you. However, I would never personally want to be "friends" with any of my clients or customers at any of my previous jobs, but I guess I keep my privacy levels on high due to the population I work with.

About facebook friending supervisors, it depends on them. One of my supervisors I won't and another one added me and it took me about a year to accept it. Professors I have never felt the urge to do so, not sure why I would want to - maybe afterwards to keep in touch.

But yeah, i believe its personal preference as long as you are keeping strictly to the code of ethics and keeping everything professional.

I have a friend who is a broadcast journalist, they encourage a similar thing with having two facebook accounts. It seems to work for them so they can have a professional presence and still vent their political thoughts to their friends in a more private space. Of course nothing is perfect and someone with access to the "personal" account could still re-publish what the individual said "privately"

 

[FadedC]

I've seen a number of cases of the profesional facebook page with no personal information at my university. For example my university runs an assessment/testing center and they have their own facebook page. Individual students can become "friends" of the testing center in order to be kept up to date with their latest news, events, and job opportunities.

 

[DrGero]

FB friends with clients or former clients? Never.
FB friends with students? Only after they're no longer a student, and only sometimes.

That's it.

 

[docjohng]

The key here is that whatever you do, ensure you have a Social Media or Internet Policy in place BEFOREHAND with your clients. What causes problems in therapy relationships is primarily the unexpected based upon two different sets of expectations or beliefs about the relationship. A social media policy spells this out in advance and lets the client know what to expect from Facebook or twitter.

Therapists shouldn't be afraid to make use of the same social media tools that the rest of the world uses. As long as one's clients know ahead of time that you won't accept their "friend" request, then all is well.

And let's be real here... Facebook "friends" are not "friends" by any stretch of the imagination. Sure, we're all friends with some friends we friend on Facebook. But most of the people on our "friends" list are really just acquaintences, or people we were once friends or such with. Facebook has attempted to co-opt the term to have it mean something different than what it really means.

John

 

[aagman01]

Thanks Hadashi, maybe I will make it my FB cover pic

Whatever happens, I am a big fan of your avatar, aagman01.

 

[erg923]

With regards to having former supervisors or professors as friends, its whatever as far as I'm concerned, so long as you feel comfy with the relationship in that domain/context. For example, I had one supervisor where have our time was spent BSing about sports, college football, and life in general. I often make quite good spirited, yet very crass comments and jokes on my account, because frankly, thats who I am-Not really very PC in real life. And of course, one should make sure that they would be comfortable lettting these people see your real opinions about Lindsay Lohan's drug problem...😀

 

[aventurine]

According to APA, multiple relationships are not inherently unethical:

"A psychologist refrains from entering into a multiple relationship if the multiple relationship could reasonably be expected to impair the psychologist's objectivity, competence, or effectiveness in performing his or her functions as a psychologist, or otherwise risks exploitation or harm to the person with whom the professional relationship exists. Multiple relationships that would not reasonably be expected to cause impairment or risk exploitation or harm are not unethical." 2002 Code, 3.05

That said, I think multiple relationships are almost never a good idea, and should be avoided whenever possible (in some situations, it isn't possible).

As a student, I would not have sent a friend request to a current prof or supervisor, and probably not to a former prof or supervisor, unless there was a continuing (and non-supervisory/evaluative) relationship. As a supervisor, I wouldn't feel comfortable accepting a friend request from a current supervisee, but might from a former supervisee--again, depending on the relationship. I've had many supervisors, kept up a relationship with only a few and am real-life (and Facebook) friends with only one of them. I've had friendly interactions in person and via email with former supervisees, but none have sent me friend requests and it's fine by me!

I would never accept a Facebook friend request from a current patient. I can't imagine friending a former patient on Facebook, and I don't imagine that I would, barring some extremely unusual circumstances (I won't say never, though, because experience has taught me to never say never!).

 

[aventurine]

The key here is that whatever you do, ensure you have a Social Media or Internet Policy in place BEFOREHAND with your clients. What causes problems in therapy relationships is primarily the unexpected based upon two different sets of expectations or beliefs about the relationship. A social media policy spells this out in advance and lets the client know what to expect from Facebook or twitter.

I totally agree.