The role of ethics and morality in therapy

Ethics and morality are two different, but often-related ideas that touch on the principles of right and wrong. Ethics are typically based on the moral code that guides a person’s choices and includes a broader understanding of accepted social norms and values. Morality, on the other hand, refers to a set of personal standards that may vary from individual to individual. 

Both ethics and morality can help distinguish good from bad or right from wrong. Still, it may be helpful to understand their nuances, especially as they relate to therapy. Continue reading to explore the differences and similarities between ethics and morality and how these concepts may impact therapy.

Defining ethics and morality

The terms “ethics” and “morality” may be used interchangeably in discussions about right and wrong behavior, but they are not the same. The term “ethics” originates from the Greek word "ethos," which, means character or nature, while “morality” comes from the Latin word "mores", which refers to customs, manners, and morals. These two words play unique roles in the study of what's right and wrong, known as moral philosophy.

Ethics refers to the rules and standards that tell us how to behave in a particular group or social situation. Ethics can influence about the choices we make and actions we take when we're faced with tough decisions. Ethics may help us to look closely at what's right and wrong, giving us a structure to figure out what's acceptable behavior in different situations.

Meanwhile, morals refer to an individual's core beliefs and values, which might come from their culture, their religion, or their personal experiences. These deeply personal principles may shape how a person views the concept of right and wrong, and they can often influence their ethical decisions.

The role of ethics tends to be situation-specific and considers different circumstances, whereas morals tend to be more personal and deeply ingrained in a person's worldview. Because of this, something might be considered ethical in a specific social context, even if it goes against an individual’s personal morals.

Ethical principles in therapy

The field of therapy tends to emphasize ethical principles during sessions. Therapists typically follow an ethical code and have a strong moral compass that supports the therapeutic relationship and the mental health profession. There are five key ethical principles in therapy: autonomy, justice, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and fidelity.

Autonomy

Autonomy means respecting a client's right to make their own decisions about their life and treatment. Therapists may ensure clients have enough information to make choices and fully understand the pros and cons of any proposed treatment. This may involve getting informed consent, being truthful, and keeping information. By supporting autonomy, therapists can help clients take charge of their healing journey.

Justice

Justice in therapy refers to the fair treatment of all clients, regardless of their background, social status, or personal beliefs. Therapists are expected to provide equal access to their services and make unbiased decisions when providing care. This includes considering factors like cost, cultural differences, and individual needs. By upholding justice, therapists can promote inclusiveness and create a supportive space for all kinds of clients.

Beneficence

Beneficence is about promoting clients' well-being and taking action to improve their health. Therapists often work to improve their client’s quality of life and strive to provide effective treatment. This may involve suggesting therapies that are proven to work, collaborating with other healthcare providers, and regularly checking progress. By adhering to the principle of beneficence, therapists can ensure that therapy is adapted to meet each client's specific needs.

Nonmaleficence

Nonmaleficence instructs therapists to avoid doing harm to their clients. It's vital for therapists to avoid any actions that might cause physical, emotional, or psychological harm to the people they're helping. This often entails thinking carefully about the possible risks of treatment methods, addressing any concerns clients might have, and trying to limit any potential negative effects. Therapists who practice nonmaleficence tend to put the safety and well-being of clients first throughout the therapy process.

Fidelity

Fidelity involves maintaining trust and honest communication between the client and therapist. Therapists can demonstrate loyalty, faithfulness, and a commitment to keeping promises in their professional relationships with clients. Fidelity may often form the basis of a strong therapeutic alliance, in which clients feel secure in sharing their thoughts and feelings. With fidelity, therapists can create a safe and trusting space that supports growth and healing for clients.

Morality in practice

Morality refers to how people use their moral beliefs when they face various real situations. This may include making sound judgments about what's right and wrong, being a morally responsible person in society, and using examples to guide our actions. There are different parts of morality in practice, including the roles of moral beliefs, society, and examples in shaping a person's decisions.

Since people may encounter various ethical dilemmas in their lives, morality often involves balancing multiple perspectives and values. Sometimes, a decision might require balancing conflicting moral principles (e.g., honesty vs. loyalty or individual rights vs. collective interests). A person might consider and reflect on different perspectives to make judgments and understand the nuances of a situation.

Examples such as moral role modelsmMoral role models and stories can be an important part of morality in practice. People tend to learn about moral values and behaviors by watching others and thinking about their actions. Role models can inspire individuals to emulate positive traits and behaviors or to avoid negative ones, and, while stories often give context and detail to moral problems. Evaluating these examples may help individuals improve their ethical reasoning, encourage personal growth, and make more moral decisions in daily life.

Common Scenarios

There are different scenarios in which ethics and morality may come into play in our everyday lives. Here are a few common scenarios that involve ethical dilemmas and moral decision-making:

Scenario One: Workplace Integrity

In this scenario, an employee may face a moral dilemma at work. The employee is a team leader responsible for overseeing the completion of a project. One of their team members has been underperforming, but this team member is also a close friend of the employee. The team leader is now faced with the decision of either reporting this underperformance to their supervisor or not, risking the project's quality and other team members' workload. 

This scenario shows the importance of workplace integrity and the value of behaving as a moral person when leading a team. Ultimately, the employee must weigh the consequences of their decision and choose the ethical path, even if it means putting their personal relationships in jeopardy.

Scenario Two: Academic Honesty

A high school student is struggling with a difficult assignment and has limited time to complete it. The student discovers a website that offers answers to the assignment for a small fee. The student then faces the ethical dilemma of whether to purchase these answers or not. 

Academic honesty is part of being a moral person, and cheating can lead to long-term consequences, both in school and in personal life. In this situation, the student may understand the importance of making ethical decisions in their education and realize that taking shortcuts might not be the best solution.

Scenario Three: Lying to avoid consequences

A person accidentally damages their neighbor's property but fears the potential consequences of confessing to the mistake. The individual faces an ethical dilemma in deciding whether to tell the truth and face the consequences or lie to avoid them. 

This scenario stresses the importance of honesty and responsibility in maintaining healthy relationships and acting as a moral person. Choosing to tell the truth, despite the possible consequences, can build trust and contribute to personal growth. In the end, the person may consider the ethical effects of their actions and make a decision based on moral principles.

Ethics and morality in online therapy

When it comes to therapy, ethics, and morality are often cornerstones of providing the best possible care to clients. Therapists are charged with upholding ethical principles and adhering to a moral code, whether they’re offering treatment online or in person. For clients looking for an effective and safe avenue to receive therapy, online platforms may be a useful option. 

Online therapy may be particularly helpful for clients who feel more at ease engaging with therapy in the comfort of their own homes or those who have limited access to mental health services in their region. If you’re hesitant about attending therapy for fear that your counselor may be unethical, online therapy could provide a convenient way to test the waters, so to speak. Also, with online therapy, it’s easy to change therapists if you ever feel like your provider is not a good fit. 

Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of online therapy. Research has shown that online therapy can be effective for clients, and there are numerous studies that demonstrate its potential. One such study published in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine found that online cognitive-behavioral therapy was as effective as in-person therapy for treating anxiety disorders. 

BetterHelp matches clients with licensed therapists based on their needs and goals. These therapists are vetted to make sure they have the qualifications and experience to treat individual needs. BetterHelp provides accessible, affordable, and effective online therapy services, connecting clients to professionals while promoting ethics and morals in the therapeutic relationship.

Takeaway

Ethics and morality can significantly influence people's choices and actions. While morality relates to a person's inner sense of right and wrong, ethics involves broader principles of behavior that are generally accepted by a community. These principles can differ among various cultures, religions, and philosophies, but they all tend to guide how we treat others and make decisions in different situations.

Ethics and morality also tend to play a large role in therapy. Therapists typically hold themselves to the five principles of autonomy, justice, beneficence, maleficence, and fidelity. If you’re interested in connecting with a therapist but don’t feel comfortable with traditional in-person therapy at this time, you might consider online therapy. With BetterHelp, you can be matched with a licensed therapist who has experience in your specific areas of concern. Take the first step toward getting support and contact BetterHelp today.

Practicing moral and ethical behavior may help individuals build a strong character and create harmonious relationships with others. Understanding life's complexities and avoiding thinking in absolutes may help an individual manage moral problems. Developing moral humility, recognizing the possibility of making wrong choices, and staying focused on personal growth are all potential ways to lead a more ethical and rewarding life. If you need more support or are facing an ethical or moral dilemma, connect with a therapist at BetterHelp today.