Gavazzi, J., & Fingerhut, R. (2026, March).
Psychotherapy Bulletin, 61(2).
This article argues that ethical practice and professional competence are sustained by community, not individual effort alone. It advocates for a deliberate shift toward a "competence constellation" model, where psychologists build diverse support networks of peers, mentors, and consultants. This proactive, community-based approach is essential to navigate ethical dilemmas, correct for clinical blind spots and biases, and manage personal challenges that affect practice. By fostering collective accountability and shared wisdom, this framework supports practitioner well-being, reduces isolation and moral distress, and ultimately enhances the quality and ethical rigor of client care.
Here is how the article starts:
Professions exist as shared communities, not collections of isolated practitioners. Each profession is defined by its specialized work and the standards it upholds, including ethical codes, shared values, and professional norms. Psychology, like other professions, is grounded in a shared ethics code, specialized expertise, and a commitment to public service. These core elements are dynamic and continuously refined through ongoing professional activities, such as research, consultation, mentorship, continuing education, and peer collaboration. Through these interactions, psychologists develop a collective professional identity and reinforce ethical obligations that extend beyond individual practice. This collaborative foundation helps ensure that psychological practice remains competent, ethically rigorous, and responsive to the needs of both clients and society.
