Aspects of the external frame: psychodynamic psychotherapy and the law

Jenkins, P

Abstract

This piece considers some key aspects of the particular relationship of psychodynamic psychotherapy, as a distinct therapeutic modality, to the law in the UK and US. Acknowledging the crucial importance of maintaining a secure frame for the effective practice of psychodynamic psychotherapy, the article considers a number of key issues impinging upon this framework. The inter-related issues of therapeutic confidentiality, recording, duty of care, informed client consent, and legal privilege, are considered in the context of current debates in psychodynamic literature, published guidelines and case law in the UK and US, with a conclusion regarding the likely future development of the interface of psychodynamic psychotherapy and the law.

Citation

Jenkins, P. (2005). Aspects of the external frame: psychodynamic psychotherapy and the law. Psychodynamic Practice, 11(1), 41-56. https://doi.org/10.1080/14753630400030171

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Feb 1, 2005
• Deposit Date: Jan 14, 2009
• Journal: Psychodynamic Practice
• Print ISSN: 1475-3634
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 11
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 41-56
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14753630400030171
• Keywords: Counselling, social work, psychoanalytic psychotherapy, psychological disorders - adult, psychotherapy, psychodynamic, confidentiality, frame, privilege, law
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14753630400030171