Understanding Ethics in Therapy

Ethical dilemmas and moral questions can create significant personal distress. First Session's growing network includes therapists who can support you in navigating values conflicts and ethical decision-making.

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Ethical concerns in therapy encompass a wide range of experiences—from workplace dilemmas and professional boundaries to personal values conflicts and moral injury. Many people find themselves struggling with decisions where there's no clear right answer, or feeling distressed when their actions conflict with their deeply held values. Therapy can provide a supportive space to examine these questions, explore your moral framework, and develop greater clarity about your principles and how to live in alignment with them.

Those who may find this type of support helpful include professionals facing workplace ethical dilemmas, individuals experiencing moral distress or guilt, people navigating complex family or relationship decisions, and anyone seeking to better understand their values. While First Session's network of therapists specializing in ethics-related concerns is still growing, we encourage you to explore available therapists who work with related areas such as values clarification, existential concerns, or decision-making support.

Michael Chu

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
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Offers In-Person (Markham, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
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Michael Chu

Michael Chu

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
He/Him/His
$160/session
Aging, Anxiety, Boundaries and boundary setting, Burnout, Childhood trauma, Competitive anxiety, Conflict resolution, Cultural Challenges, Dating challenges, Decision making, Deep connections, Depression, Dreams, Effective communication, Emotional regulation, Empowerment, Existential questions, Ethics, Familial and social relationships, Grief Processing, Imposter syndrome, Interpersonal dynamics, Intergenerational trauma, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Meaning and purpose, Motivation, Negative thinking and ruminating, Social anxiety, Stress, Thought Restructuring, Transformative dream work, Transitioning into Adulthood, Trauma processing, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Vulnerability, Wellness Counselling, Workplace stress, Trauma, BIPOC, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
Aging, Anxiety, Boundaries and boundary setting, Burnout, Childhood trauma, Competitive anxiety, Conflict resolution, Cultural Challenges, Dating challenges, Decision making, Deep connections, Depression, Dreams, Effective communication, Emotional regulation, Empowerment, Existential questions, Ethics, Familial and social relationships, Grief Processing, Imposter syndrome, Interpersonal dynamics, Intergenerational trauma, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Meaning and purpose, Motivation, Negative thinking and ruminating, Social anxiety, Stress, Thought Restructuring, Transformative dream work, Transitioning into Adulthood, Trauma processing, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Vulnerability, Wellness Counselling, Workplace stress, Trauma, BIPOC, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
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About First Session
What does therapy for ethics involve?

Therapy addressing ethical concerns typically involves exploring your personal values, examining moral dilemmas you're facing, and developing frameworks for ethical decision-making. A therapist may help you identify conflicting values, process feelings of guilt or moral distress, and work through complex situations where the right course of action isn't clear. This might include examining past decisions, preparing for future ethical challenges, or healing from moral injury—the distress that can occur when actions violate one's moral code.

What are the benefits of exploring ethics in therapy?

Exploring ethical questions in therapy may offer several benefits. Many people find it helpful for gaining clarity about their core values and principles. Therapy can support you in developing more confident decision-making skills when facing moral dilemmas. It may also provide relief from the emotional burden of unresolved ethical conflicts, help process guilt or shame related to past decisions, and strengthen your ability to navigate future challenges with greater self-awareness and integrity.

Who might benefit from support with ethical questions?

Support with ethical concerns may benefit many different people. Healthcare workers, first responders, and military personnel sometimes experience moral injury or distress related to their roles. Professionals in business, law, or other fields may face workplace ethical dilemmas. Parents navigating difficult family decisions, individuals processing guilt about past choices, or anyone experiencing conflict between their actions and values may find this type of therapeutic support helpful. People interested in personal growth and self-understanding often also explore ethics as part of their journey.

How do I find a therapist for ethics-related concerns?

Finding a therapist who works with ethical concerns involves looking for professionals experienced in areas like values clarification, existential therapy, or decision-making support. When searching on First Session, consider exploring therapists who mention philosophical approaches, meaning-focused work, or experience with moral distress. During initial consultations, you can ask potential therapists about their approach to ethical dilemmas and whether they have experience supporting clients with similar concerns. First Session's platform includes therapist intro videos that can help you find someone whose approach resonates with you.

Are there related areas I could explore?

If you're interested in ethics-related support, several related areas may also be worth exploring. Existential therapy addresses questions of meaning, purpose, and values. Therapists who work with life transitions often help clients navigate major decisions. Those specializing in workplace stress or burnout may have experience with professional ethical dilemmas. Grief and trauma therapists sometimes work with moral injury. Exploring these related areas may help you find a therapist who can address your specific needs while also bringing relevant expertise to ethical questions.

How can First Session help me find support?

First Session makes it easier to find a therapist by providing detailed profiles, intro videos, and transparent information about each practitioner. All therapists on our platform have their credentials verified during onboarding. You can browse therapists based on their areas of focus, watch their videos to get a sense of their style, and book consultations directly through the platform. While our network of therapists specializing specifically in ethics is growing, you can explore practitioners who work with related concerns and reach out to discuss whether they might be a good fit for your needs.