Calendar

When to Hold, When to Share: Clinical and Ethical Dilemmas of Secrets in Couples Therapy

Starts:
1:00 pm on Thursday, November 13, 2025
Ends:
4:00 pm on Thursday, November 13, 2025
Location:
Webinar
URL:
https://thenetwork.bu.edu/offering/when-to-hold-when-to-share-clinical-and-ethical-dilemmas-of-secrets-in-couples-therapy/
This webinar will explore the ethical and clinical complexities of secrets in couples therapy, emphasizing best practices aligned with the NASW Code of Ethics. Participants will examine models for handling secrets, including “no-secrets” policies and worker discretion, while considering the implications for client self-determination, transparency, and relational trust. A justice-informed approach will be emphasized, recognizing how systemic oppression, power imbalances, and cultural factors influence disclosure. Special attention will be given to marginalized populations, including survivors of intimate partner violence and LGBTQ+ clients, ensuring that decisions about secrets prioritize safety and equity. The session will conclude with practical considerations for clinicians, including strategies for informed consent, ethical decision-making, and trauma-informed approaches to navigating disclosures in couples therapy. Open to the BU Community and the public. Cost: $90 (Group pricing also available) CEs: 3