The student with a writing block--the ethics of psychotherapy. Issue 3 (September 1989)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bloch, S
• Is Part Of: Journal of medical ethics. Volume 15:Issue 3(1989)
• Page Start: 153
• Page End: 158
• Publication Date: 1989-09
• Subjects: Medical ethics -- Periodicals; 174.2
• DOI: 10.1136/jme.15.3.153
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-6800

Abstract

Abstract : The potential role of the psychotherapist as ethical interventionist is considered with reference to a patient who presented with a writing block. The case for the therapist to act paternalistically is followed by the counterargument which revolves around the respect for autonomy. A bridge between these two opposing positions is then offered which depends on viewing informed consent as a dynamic process. As part of this procedure it is made clear that while autonomy is the desired end-state of psychotherapy, it is not the be all and end all of treatment. Therapy is necessarily value-laden since it aims for the enhancement of the patient's state of autonomy; it is value-free inasmuch as the therapist desists from guiding the patient in how she should live her life.