Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) Law and Ethics Practice Exam

The principle that emphasizes doing good for clients is beneficence. This ethical principle is centered on the obligation to act in ways that promote the well-being of individuals and society. In the context of marriage and family therapy, this means therapists are expected to take actions that support the physical, emotional, and mental health of their clients. This principle encourages therapists to engage in behaviors that foster positive outcomes and to strive for the best possible care for their clientele.

Beneficence directly relates to the therapist's role in facilitating growth, healing, and resolution within the context of therapy, ultimately contributing to the overall welfare of the clients they serve. The focus on promoting good establishes a strong ethical foundation that guides therapists in making decisions that benefit their clients.

The other principles, while important, focus on different aspects of the therapeutic relationship. Autonomy emphasizes respecting a client's right to make their own informed decisions; justice pertains to fairness and equality in treatment; and nonmaleficence centers around the duty to avoid causing harm to clients. Each principle plays a crucial role in ethical decision-making, but beneficence specifically highlights the imperative to act in ways that are advantageous to clients, thereby reinforcing the commitment to their welfare and well-being.