Many therapists refuse to use Facebook, thinking it can lead to all sorts of problems with clients. However, what they may not realize is that there is a safe way to use Facebook.
When therapists think of Facebook, they often don’t realize that Facebook has two methods of engagement: personal profiles and business pages. By clearly and consistently separating their personal and business profiles, therapists can avoid many pitfalls.
Personal Profiles
On a personal profile, interested people send a “friend” request, which has to be approved by the owner of the page. If approved, a “friend” relationship is established. Even by adjusting the privacy settings, this means potential and current clients would have access to personal information, including status updates. Clearly, this is problematic. The other issue is that all “friends” of a page owner can see each other, leading to a possible confidentiality breach. For these reasons, therapists should never “friend” past or current clients on their personal profile. They should also take care to consistently distinguish between their personal and business identities. So that means don’t post business information on your personal profile. Otherwise, clients could be enticed to “friend” you, thinking this is your business page as well. Then you will be placed in the somewhat awkward position of having to explain to clients why you couldn’t “friend” them. Which, by the way, should be spelled out in your informed consent.
Business Pages
However, with a business page you do not connect with people in the same way. Business pages are public, and anyone can “like” them, unlike personal profiles, where the owner has to approve them. When a person “likes” a business page, the posts generated from that page appear in that person’s newsfeed. Depending on how the business page is set up, people might be able to post something on the wall, and comment on items posted by the owner. Those are the limits of engagement. You do not have an established “friend” relationship. You cannot tag each other in posts or pictures. Facebook does not reveal the identity of the people who have “liked” your business page to other people. Again, you must take care to consistently separate your two identities. Personal information should never be shared on your business page.
Rules of Engagement
- Do not invite any clients to “like” your business page. This could be considered initiating a “non-professional interaction,” which is discouraged unless it benefits the client according to the ACA ethics code.
- Never reveal any client information, even if the client volunteers it. This would violate confidentiality. This includes not responding to anything personal that clients post. Your response could be considered an affirmation of client information, which is a confidentiality breach.
- Do not state or imply expertise you do not have, either through the “About” section or in a post. This would consist of operating outside the “boundaries of competence” as indicated by the ACA ethics codes.
When used properly, considered and ethical use of Facebook can be a wonderful way to engage the public. Insights into human behavior, suggestions for better relationships, inspirational posters, and links to relevant articles are examples of valuable content that can help educate and engage the public.
Yours in the Joy of Knowledge,
Barbara LoFrisco
