Abstract

Honest communication between therapists and clients is an essential part of the process and values of psychotherapy, but the topic of therapist dishonesty has remained virtually unexplored. This study examined the prevalence, motivations, and perceived consequences of therapist dishonesty. Data were compiled from a Qualtrics survey, including several open-ended questions, of 401 practicing psychotherapists. Findings revealed that virtually all respondents acknowledged having been dishonest with their clients at least once, most often about their own emotional health and their attentiveness in session, and that they were significantly more likely to engage in covert than overt dishonesty. Most felt their dishonesty was in the service of their clients’ therapy or wellbeing and perceived no negative consequences of such actions. Novice therapists reported being dishonest with their clients more frequently than therapists with more experience. Directions for future research, as well as the need for training programs to introduce students to this issue, are noted.

摘要

治疗师和客户之间的诚实沟通是心理治疗过程和价值观的重要组成部分，但治疗师的主题不诚实行为几乎没有被探索过。这项研究调查了治疗师不诚实的普遍性、动机和感知后果。数据来自 Qualtrics 调查，包括几个开放式问题，401 名执业心理治疗师。调查结果显示，几乎所有受访者都承认至少一次对他们的客户不诚实，最常见的是他们自己的情绪健康和他们在会议中的注意力，而且他们更有可能从事隐蔽而不是公开的不诚实。大多数人认为他们的不诚实是在为他们的客户的治疗或幸福服务，并且认为这些行为没有负面后果。新手治疗师比经验丰富的治疗师更频繁地报告对他们的客户不诚实。未来研究方向，