The Mormon Therapist
I’m an LDS graduate student currently in training to get my PhD in clinical psych. Although I don’t plan to work exclusively with LDS populations, I expect that wherever I settle down, I will get members of my local stake coming to me because we share the same religious beliefs.
My question is, in your experience how do you manage the multiple relationships that arise from such a situation? LDS communities are often times somewhat insulated and the lay model of clergy poses the possibility that I may be given stewardship over a former or current client. Any thoughts?
This is a great question and one that I have thought a lot about over the years. And yes, more than likely your services as an LDS clinician will be sought out. When I first graduated I was very strict with my boundaries and would encourage members in my stake and definitely in my ward to seek help elsewhere and provide appropriate referrals. Unfortunately what I found to be commonly the case, since I was the only LDS therapist in the area, is that members would not take me up on the referrals and instead choose not to get the professional help they needed. My personal position is that licensed non-LDS therapists or counselors can usually be just as useful and helpful as licensed LDS therapists or counselors. However, the reality is that many members are just not comfortable seeing this type of professional outside of their faith. After attending many ethics courses, doing a lot of reading on this subject and consulting with other peers and supervisors I came to the conclusion that I would look at the LDS community in a similar way as I would a rural community. Therapists, counselors, doctors, etc. who work in rural communities are regularly faced with issues dealing with dual relationships just by the nature of living in a low populated area. A dual relationship, for those who do not know, is one where you have a relationship with someone where you have more than one role (i.e. I am your therapist and I am a Primary teacher to one of your children).
The stance I currently take is that I discuss at length with members who are interested in seeing me within my stake or ward the many implications of what this might mean for them long-term. For instance,
- They may feel comfortable seeing me now, but what about if we’re still in the same ward 5 years from now and they have to look at me every Sunday and be reminded of all the things they disclosed.
- What if we’re asked to serve together in callings? Although I always remain open to the possibility of having to explain to a bishop/stake president that I may need to turn a calling down if I deem necessary due to these types of issues.
- What if our work together does not end well (offense is taken, differences of opinion, etc.) and now they have to keep seeing me at church?
If members decide they still want to see me and tell me they are not open to seeing another therapist in their community, then I will consider taking them on as a client. I include clauses in my “informed consent” (the contract agreement of therapy) that also address issues of dual relationship (i.e. I will not speak to them in public places unless I am spoken to first, etc.). I also make sure I continually bring up the issue throughout our work to “check in” and see how they are feeling as we move forward.
One of the ethical responsibilities we have as therapists, clinicians, counselors, etc., is to make sure we are best serving the public interest. I believe my stance on this topic does this to the best of my ability. I would welcome any experiences (both positive or negative) that members have had when they have hired the services of someone in their ward or stake.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In