Therapists have you got a Social Media Policy in place?

Heres what to Consider, the Benefits, Guidelines and Where to Place your policy.

As therapists, we're well aware of the importance of maintaining professional boundaries, protecting client confidentiality, and upholding ethical standards. In today's digital age, these principles extend to our online presence, which is why having a social media policy is not just a good idea – it's a crucial step towards ensuring ethical and responsible use of social media in our profession.

Thank you to Beck

Breaking the Cycle with Becky

for getting us thinking about social media policies, we cover some of the answers in this Q&A session -

Q&A 12 pm BST, Fri 1st September

In this post, we dive in further and explore why as therapists we should have a social media policy, its benefits, where to locate it, and provide you with a sample of what to include.

Why Should Therapists Have a Social Media Policy?

Let's start with the "why."

Here are some reasons therapists should have a social media policy in place:

1. Maintain Professionalism:

• A social media policy helps you define and maintain clear professional boundaries in your online interactions with clients and colleagues. It reinforces that your therapeutic relationship exists primarily in a therapeutic context, not on social media.

2. Protect Client Confidentiality:

• By outlining the importance of confidentiality on social media, you ensure that your client's trust is safeguarded. A breach of confidentiality, even unintentional, can have serious consequences.

3. Clarify Expectations:

• Having a policy sets expectations for your online behaviour. It clarifies what is and isn't acceptable, helping you avoid misunderstandings or ethical dilemmas.

4. Avoid Dual Relationships:

• A social media policy can help you steer clear of dual relationships, where your professional and personal lives become entangled online. This can be especially important in small communities where you may have clients as friends or acquaintances.

5. Uphold Ethical Standards:

• Your social media policy acts as a reminder to uphold the ethical standards of your profession. It keeps you accountable for your online conduct, ensuring you don't compromise your professional integrity.

  

Benefits of Having a Social Media Policy:

Now that we know why it's important, let's explore the benefits:

1. Legal Protection:

• A well-crafted social media policy can provide legal protection in case a client or colleague takes issue with your online behaviour. It demonstrates your commitment to ethical practices.

2. Ethical Compass:

• Your policy serves as a moral compass, helping you navigate the sometimes murky waters of social media. It provides clarity on what's acceptable and what's not.

3. Reputation Management:

• Maintaining a professional online presence enhances your reputation. Your policy can guide you in creating and curating content that reflects positively on your practice.

4. Client Trust:

• Knowing that you take their privacy and the therapeutic relationship seriously builds trust with your clients. It assures them that you prioritise their well-being.

5. Conflict Resolution:

• In case of any misunderstandings or conflicts related to social media, your policy can serve as a reference point for resolution.

  

Where to Locate Your Social Media Policy:

Now that we've established why and how a social media policy benefits therapists, let's talk about where you should put it. Here are some strategic places to locate your social media policy:

1. Your Professional Website:

• If you have a professional website, post the social media policy there. It ensures that potential clients are aware of it before reaching out to you.

2. Client Agreement or Contract:

• Incorporate the social media policy as an appendix or addendum to your client agreement or contract. Clients should review and sign it as part of the onboarding process.

3. Staff Handbook (if applicable):

• If you have employees or associates working in your practice, include the social media policy in your staff handbook. This ensures everyone involved in the practice is on the same page.

4. In-Person Discussion:

• While providing a written policy is important, discuss it verbally with clients during the initial session. This personal touch allows you to answer any questions they may have and reinforces the policy's importance.

Continue reading for a sample of what to include in your social media policy