‘Ethics’ at Psychology, Philosophy and Real Life, Page 6

The International Society for Mental Health Online has expelled from its discussion list the whistleblower who first brought evidence to light suggesting unethical behaviour on the part of one of the group’s board members. The expulsion has apparently occurred in violation of the organization’s own guidelines. In addition, I would like to apologize publicly for incorrectly suggesting the ISMHO had censored the original message pointing to the evidence of this unprofessional behaviour.

Original article removed 28 July 2006: At the request of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), the article originally appearing at this URL has been removed. The BACP request allows that the article may be republished at a later time provided that identifying features of people and professional bodies involved in the matter being reported have been removed. The URL for the appropriately edited article is available below.

Materials provided to participants in a new study on the genetic basis of depression prompt some reflection on demonstrating respect for those participating in a research project, empathizing with their perspective and explaining clearly any rationale for denying them feedback on the data (genetic or otherwise) which they have helped create.

The first part of this article explored the trickiness of quantifying how much online therapy really goes on. It turns out that when it comes to online therapy, figures like years of experience or numbers of clients worked with are — without significant further information — meaningless at best and deeply misleading at worst. This second part offers a suggestion for how online therapists can report their experience more openly, honestly and transparently.

Competition for traffic, status, and keeping up appearances in the blogosphere is increasing the temptation for bloggers to engage in ‘blog-lifting’: recycling news and stories produced by other people, but without citation, and without adding original content. Judging by blog comments and Technorati searches, many blog readers are unaware that they are being duped.