Essential Ethics for Psychologists

Book excerpt: In his latest book, Tom Nagy offers psychologists valuable lessons in ethical "orienteering." He begins by defining four points of our professional moral compassùcompetence, informed consent, confidentiality, and avoidance of harm and exploitation. Then he provides several decision-making maps and guides the reader through challenging, realistic ethical dilemmas in clinical, research, and education territories. This book reminds us that ethical practice is a career-long journey; I highly recommend it.ùJanet L Sonne, PhD, Independent Clinical and Forensic Practice; Adjunct Professor of Psychology, Loma Linda University, Huntington Beach, CA; Fellow of the American Psychological Association Thomas Nagy's most recent book is replete with practical, accessible, and sound ethical guidance and wisdom. Straightforward explanations of basic ethical concepts provide a foundation on which he constructs sophisticated ethical analyses of issues arising in clinical, research, supervisory, training, and consultative settings. Compelling real-life vignettes illustrating applications of ethics codes and laws are seamlessly woven throughout the book, reflecting virtually every area of psychologists' work. This book is a gift to students and seasoned professionals alike.ùJanet T Thomas, PsyD, Independent Practice, Saint Paul, MN; Adjunct Faculty, Argosy University, Twin Cities and the University of Saint Thomas, Minneapolis, MN; author, The Ethics of Supervision and Consultation: Practical Guidance for Mental Health Professionals