Working with Couples: Relational ethics part 1- theory

Canada · CEU points & talks · Psychologists

Traditional ethical frameworks in psychotherapy often centre on individual autonomy, rights, and independence. However, in couples therapy—where interdependence, mutual responsibility, and relational dynamics are paramount—this individualised approach can fall short.

In this insightful talk, participants will explore the shift from bioethical principles to a relational ethics framework. Drawing on the works of Martin Buber, feminist theory, systems thinking, and care ethics, this talk examines how relational ethics offers a more fitting and compassionate ethical foundation for couples therapy.

Topics include managing confidentiality between partners, addressing power dynamics, cultural and contextual influences, and redefining informed consent within a dyadic context. By viewing the relationship itself as the "client," therapists are encouraged to centre shared accountability and fairness in their ethical decision-making.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this talk, participants will be able to:

• Describe the limitations of traditional, individual-centred ethical paradigms in the context of couples therapy

• Define the key principles of relational ethics and their theoretical foundations

• Identify common ethical dilemmas in couples therapy and apply relational ethics in navigating them

• Reframe therapeutic practice to centre the couple's relationship as the client

Calabash
Calabash Articles
Calabash Partners
Calabash Contributors
Calabash Speakers
Calabash Talks
Calabash Sign up
Calabash Sign in
Talk · Demystifying Tinnitus
Therapy Modalities CPD talks
Article · Live Webinar: Incel Culture, the Online World & Our Children
Confidentiality CPD talks
Uploading an Article
Calabash · South Africa
Calabash Articles · South Africa
Calabash Partners · South Africa
Calabash Contributors · South Africa
Calabash Speakers · South Africa
Calabash Talks · South Africa
Calabash Sign up · South Africa
Calabash Sign in · South Africa
Talk · The Dopamine Brain · South Africa
Therapy Modalities CPD talks · South Africa
Article · Screens in Therapy · South Africa
Adoption CPD talks · South Africa
About Calabash · South Africa
Calabash · Australia
Calabash Articles · Australia
Calabash Partners · Australia
Calabash Contributors · Australia
Calabash Speakers · Australia
Calabash Talks · Australia
Calabash Sign up · Australia
Calabash Sign in · Australia
Talk · Couples Counselling: An essential introductory map · Australia
Psychodynamic Therapy CPD talks · Australia
Article · Napping in Young Children · Australia
Medication CPD talks · Australia
About Partners · Australia
Calabash · New Zealand
Calabash Articles · New Zealand
Calabash Partners · New Zealand
Calabash Contributors · New Zealand
Calabash Speakers · New Zealand
Calabash Talks · New Zealand
Calabash Sign up · New Zealand
Calabash Sign in · New Zealand
Talk · Neuropsychological Syndromes · New Zealand
Psychodynamic Therapy CPD talks · New Zealand
Article · General Exam Tips for Writing the Board Exam · New Zealand
Creative Ability CPD talks · New Zealand
Frequently Asked Questions · New Zealand
Calabash · United Kingdom
Calabash Articles · United Kingdom
Calabash Partners · United Kingdom
Calabash Contributors · United Kingdom
Calabash Speakers · United Kingdom
Calabash Talks · United Kingdom
Calabash Sign up · United Kingdom
Calabash Sign in · United Kingdom
Talk · Interventions for ADHD That Go Beyond Medication: Regulating the ADHD child · United Kingdom
Neurodiversity CPD talks · United Kingdom
Article · Helpful Lifestyle Changes for Patients with Tinnitus · United Kingdom
Cancer CPD talks · United Kingdom
Terms of Use · United Kingdom
Calabash · United States
Calabash Articles · United States
Calabash Partners · United States
Calabash Contributors · United States
Calabash Speakers · United States
Calabash Talks · United States
Calabash Sign up · United States
Calabash Sign in · United States
Talk · Dialectical Behaviour Therapy: States of mind · United States
Australian Counselling Association CPD talks · United States
Article · Common Medications for Depression · United States
Hypnotherapy CPD talks · United States
Uploading a Talk · United States
Calabash · Canada
Calabash Articles · Canada
Calabash Partners · Canada
Calabash Contributors · Canada
Calabash Speakers · Canada
Calabash Talks · Canada
Calabash Sign up · Canada
Calabash Sign in · Canada
Talk · Sexual Abuse: Assessment, Psychological Effects & Legal Obligations · Canada
Clinical Issues CPD talks · Canada
Article · Psychiatric Medications for Children, Pregnant Women and the Elderly · Canada
Hegemonic Masculinty CPD talks · Canada
About Calabash · Canada
Psychologist in Sydney