Rita, a private practitioner, often meets with couples who are dealing with the fallout of extramarital affairs. As an ethical practitioner, Rita should:

• A. Maintain Strict Confidentiality for All Information Learned in Couple Sessions
• B. Avoid Discussing the Affair with Either Partner to Prevent Bias
• C. Adhere to Ethical Guidelines, Including Confidentiality and Boundaries, with These Cases
• D. End Therapy if Infidelity Is Discovered

Answer: (C)

Ethical practice in couples work hinges on how confidentiality and professional boundaries are maintained when affairs surface. The best approach is to follow ethical guidelines, including confidentiality and boundaries, with these cases. In couples therapy, you discuss the limits of what can be kept confidential and establish clear boundaries from the outset, so both partners know how information will be handled and what can be shared in joint sessions. This means Rita should treat the affair within the framework of informed consent, address its impact openly, and strive to remain neutral while guiding the couple through constructive communication and repair. She may explore each partner’s concerns and ensure that the therapy remains focused on the relationship’s goals, rather than personal biases, while also knowing when safety or legal issues require additional action. Ending therapy solely because infidelity is discovered or avoiding discussion about the affair would miss opportunities for therapeutic progress and would not align with standard ethical practice.