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Updated: Jan 20, 2026
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Ethical considerations for addressing distorted beliefs in psychotherapy
William E Conlin1, Cassandra L Boness1
1Department of Psychological Sciences.
Psychotherapy (Chicago, Ill.)
|September 6, 2019
Summary
Psychotherapists may face ethical dilemmas when clients hold harmful, scientifically unsound beliefs. This article provides guidance on addressing these distorted beliefs while respecting client autonomy and ensuring safety.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Ethics in Psychotherapy
- Mental Health
Background:
- Increasing rates of misinformation lead to clients holding scientifically unsound beliefs.
- Harmful distorted beliefs (e.g., anti-vaccination, consent misunderstandings) pose ethical challenges in psychotherapy.
- These beliefs can impede treatment progress and raise safety concerns for clients and society.
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