AASP Newsletter - January 2021

Michele Kerulis

Tim Herzog

Carla Carter

Nobody expected 2020 to develop into one of the most intense years in recent memory as it was plagued by a series of natural disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic, economic uncertainty, civil unrest, and varied political messages. The sport and exercise world has endured canceled seasons, mental health concerns, physical challenges, lost jobs, and more. Fortunately, clients can still turn to AASP members, Certified Mental Performance Consultants (CMPCs), and other kinds of sport, exercise, and performance psychology (SEPP) practitioners to assist with navigating these unprecedented times.

In this article, three likely dilemmas are examined and paired with relevant AASP ethical standards and recommendations for ethical practice by the AASP Ethics Committee. It is imperative for practitioners to be aware of their own levels of stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue, as these factors can affect client outcomes. We recommend a review of the AASP Code of Ethical Principles and Standards, in addition to other ethics codes that govern our multidisciplinary profession (e.g., APA, ACA, ACSM, etc.), as a tool to help members exercise good judgment during uncertain times. Additionally, ethical decision-making models, like The Practitioner’s Guide to Ethical Decision-Making (Forester-Miller & Davis, 2016) and SEPP specific models (e.g., Etzel & Watson, 2013) can help members when ethical dilemmas arise. 

Dilemma 1: Technology During the Pandemic

The Coronavirus pandemic forced many practitioners to move their practices online. Not all mental performance professionals have used digital platforms to work with clients before and they have been forced to adapt quickly to these new circumstances.

Ethical Standards

Principle A Competence and Standard 2 Boundaries of Competence both remind members that we recognize our boundaries within our areas of competence and seek education and training before utilizing new skills with clients. Standards 17 Informed Consent and 18 Maintaining Confidentiality should be kept in mind and guide practitioners through conversations related to pros and cons of digital meetings. Standard 26 The Integration of Technology in Professional and Scientific Work within Sport, Exercise, and Health Psychology requires members to be aware of technology updates, laws regarding location of service delivery, and best practices within use of technology.

How to Engage in Ethical Practice

Practitioners can ethically engage with clients using technology during their meetings by familiarizing themselves with different platforms that are designed specifically for use with clients. Some companies offer a Business Associate Agreement that emphasizes HIPAA compliance for licensed practitioners and commits to high standards of technological security. It is important to note that due to the nature of the internet, 100% confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. It is recommended to research best practices, and the privacy and security statements, of the platforms you choose. Note that these might be frequently updated. Members can have detailed conversations with clients about the pros and cons of the use of technology, specifically addressing risks to confidentiality, asking them to sign an additional informed consent addressing the use of a digital platform. It is also important to ensure that you have a backup plan should either of your devices not connect during your scheduled meeting time (e.g., calling the client if they do not sign in within five minutes of your scheduled meeting time).

Dilemma 2: Values Conflicts During the Pandemic

Many people feel the need to publicly and privately voice their opinions related to current events. This can result in significant divides regarding differences in values and political opinions. Some practitioners might experience conflicts regarding their points of view and those of their clients.

Ethical Standards

Principle D Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity instructs practitioners to “. . . respect the fundamental rights, dignity, and worth of all people” (AASP, n.d.). Standard 3 Human Differences reminds members to recognize the role individual differences play in people’s lives and also that members do not engage in discrimination. Standard 5 Personal Problems and Conflicts highlights the fact that personal conflicts can impact effectiveness.

How to Engage in Ethical Practice

Members can ethically engage with clients with whom they have identified value conflicts by seeking consultation and practicing self-reflection. The AASP standards mentioned above encourage members to understand multicultural considerations and how bias can impact effective consultation (Forster-Scott, n.d.). Seeking an understanding of differences through education and ongoing training is recommended. Additionally, practitioners can seek their own counseling if they find that value differences have a significant impact on their ability to remain objective. If you find that you have a different perspective on sensitive matters, it would be important to manage your own emotions. The best posture may be to help the client explore their perspective and understand what experiences or situations have brought them to have their current point of view without openly judging it. If you have trouble managing your own emotions, supervision would be a reasonable approach.

Dilemma 3: Marketing During the Pandemic

While people are experiencing more stress during the pandemic (potentially raising the demand for clinical services), delayed return to play, reduced incomes, and resistance to telehealth can bring on economic hardship for practitioners. It can be tempting to rationalize actions that might not be in the best interest of your client, like soliciting testimonials. Use of testimonials to advertise SEPP services is a topic that has been debated within the field. Some practitioners choose to use testimonials; but is it ethical?

Ethical Standards

Standard 4 Exploitation and Harassment reminds members that they do not solicit testimonials from current psychotherapy clients or from vulnerable clients. Standard 15 Fees and Financial Arrangements states that AASP members do not accept testimonials in place of fees for service, and Standard 18 Maintaining Confidentiality states that the primary responsibility of members is to respect client confidentiality.

How to Engage in Ethical Practice

The topic of testimonials was examined in AASP’s Winter 2012 Newsletter by Harris, Schinke, Visek, and Watson. Their article, Testimonials and Public Statements: Ethical Guidelines for Sport Psychology Practitioners to Heed, provided a detailed analysis about testimonials. They suggested avoiding testimonial solicitation from current clients who might feel pressured to comply with the request, and to obtain a written consent if you decide to utilize unsolicited testimonials from previous clients. In addition to violating confidentiality, clients may feel exploited if members ask them for testimonials (even if they do not acknowledge feeling this way). The Ethics Committee recommends: (a) Carefully reviewing state law (e.g., New Jersey requires a notarized document from the client to document that the testimonial was not solicited, which would likely create undue pressure on the client); (b) Reviewing other ethics codes relevant to your profession (e.g., APA, ACA, NASW, etc.), (c) Considering the pros and cons of accepting a testimonial, considering the use of anonymous testimonials (if at all); and (d) Consulting with others before making the decision of whether or not to use testimonials to advertise your services.

What to Do If You Make a Mistake

There are times throughout our careers when mistakes will happen. Principle: C Professional and Scientific Responsibility reminds us that we take responsibility for our behaviors, and this includes admitting when we have made a mistake. Standard 25 Resolving Ethical Conflicts asks members to have a personal commitment to act ethically. It is a good idea to seek consultation and mentorship once you have identified an ethical issue. Having an objective point of view can help you assess what can often be an emotional situation. Members can also contact the AASP Ethics Committee with questions about their ethical issues.

What to Do If You Notice a Colleague Making a Mistake

Just like we will make mistakes in our career, so will our colleagues. If you observe or become aware of a colleague’s mistake, Standard 25 Resolving Ethical Conflicts instructs members to discuss the issue directly with the person/people involved for an informal resolution. This can be intimidating; yet at the same time, it can provide an opportunity for personal and professional growth for all parties involved. If you were not directly involved in the issue you have identified as a problem, realize that you do not have all the facts. Talking directly with the person can help you gain a better understanding of what happened and why, and will give you both the opportunity to talk about the problem and discuss possible solutions (one part of ethical decision making). Members have the option of contacting the Ethics Committee for consultation if an informal resolution is not reached.

Final Thoughts

AASP members have joined together with the goal of being guided by aspirational principles and enforceable standards to help our clients to the best of our abilities. The COVID-19 pandemic presents unique challenges and, like any helping profession, SEPP practitioners will face ethical dilemmas and must rely on their commitment to our field’s expectations and ethical codes. Together, we can help promote the integrity of the field, continue to develop trust with the public, and enhance the ethical development of ourselves and our colleagues.

References

Association for Applied Sport Psychology. (n.d.). AASP code of ethical principles and standards. Retrieved https://appliedsportpsych.org/about/ethics/ethics-code/

Etzel, E. F. & Watson, J. C. (2013). Ethical issues in sport, exercise, and performance, psychology. Fitness Information Technology.

Forester-Miller, H. & Davis, T. (2016). A practitioner’s guide to ethical decision making. American Counseling Association.

Forster-Scott, L. (n.d.). Becoming an agent of change to combat institutional and cultural racism. Association for Applied Sport Psychology. https://appliedsportpsych.org/site/assets/documents/Becoming-an-Agent-of-Change.pdf

Harris, Schinke, Visek, & Watson. (2012). Testimonials and public statements: Ethical guidelines for sport psychology practitioners to heed. Association for Applied Sport Psychology Newsletter, 27(3), p. 31-32.