Written By Dr. Molly Maloof, M.D.
In the age of digital health and wellness, mental health professionals and sex therapists increasingly have access to a wide range of tools that can enhance client outcomes beyond traditional in-person or teletherapy sessions. From online courses to wellness programs, paid resources can provide valuable supplemental support. However, recommending paid resources brings unique ethical considerations that every therapist must navigate to ensure that client well-being remains the priority.
Programs like the Adamo Method exemplify how specialized resources can complement therapy by addressing complex relational and sexual wellness challenges. Developed to guide clients through a journey of emotional, psychological, and physical intimacy, the Adamo Method is a nine-week program that supports clients in building healthier connections, managing psychosomatic challenges, and achieving greater sexual satisfaction.
Below are expanded ethical guidelines for promoting paid resources, integrating additional considerations to help therapists recommend resources responsibly and transparently:
1. Prioritize Client Well-being Above All
Before recommending any paid resource, therapists should carefully evaluate its relevance and potential benefit for the specific client. Resources should be chosen based on therapeutic value, not profitability. Programs like the Adamo Method offer a comprehensive approach to intimacy and sexual health, addressing challenges that may arise from psychosomatic blocks, emotional detachment, or relationship struggles.
However, therapists must also consider providing free or lower-cost alternatives when they exist. This ensures accessibility for clients across all financial circumstances while maintaining ethical integrity.
2. Ensure Transparency and Disclose Financial Relationships
Transparency is fundamental to maintaining trust in the therapeutic relationship. If therapists stand to benefit financially from recommending a resource—through referral fees, affiliate commissions, or other incentives—this information should be disclosed to clients. Ethical codes, such as those from the American Psychological Association (APA), emphasize avoiding conflicts of interest.
Therapists recommending the Adamo Method, for example, should clearly disclose financial affiliations. An appropriate disclosure might be: “I have a financial relationship with this program, which means I receive compensation if you choose to purchase it. I believe it aligns with your goals, but I want you to be fully informed in making this decision.” Documenting these disclosures in session notes is critical to ensure transparency and protect both clients and clinicians.
3. Avoid Pressure and Emphasize Client Choice
Therapists should frame paid resources as options, not obligations. Clients must feel empowered to decide whether to invest. To maintain a balanced approach, therapists should offer multiple options whenever possible and encourage clients to explore and self-educate about available resources.
For example, alongside the Adamo Method, therapists might recommend tools like FirmTech for performance tracking or Arya Health for virtual coaching. Providing a range of options fosters client autonomy and reduces potential bias.
4. Avoid Exaggerated Claims
Therapists must refrain from making any exaggerated statements about the efficacy of resources. For instance, claims such as “This program cures erectile dysfunction in one session!” undermine credibility and may lead to unrealistic expectations. Instead, therapists should emphasize that resources like the Adamo Method are designed to support a client’s journey, often as part of a broader therapeutic plan.
5. Document Discussions and Referrals
Every recommendation of a paid resource should be documented thoroughly. This includes the rationale for the referral, financial disclosures, and any discussions about the client’s concerns. Proper documentation demonstrates ethical compliance and provides essential protection for both the client and the clinician in the event of a complaint.
6. Supplement with Free Educational Resources
Where available, therapists should point clients to free educational resources alongside paid ones. These might include online articles, open-access videos, or community workshops. By offering a mix of free and paid tools, therapists promote inclusivity and ensure that clients have access to valuable insights regardless of financial constraints.
What the Adamo Method Offers
The Adamo Method addresses multiple facets of relational and sexual wellness through a science-based approach that includes:
Non-Penetrative Play and Communication: Initial phases of the program emphasize non-penetrative activities, verbal and non-verbal communication, and exercises that build comfort, such as heart-genital connection practices.
Physical Intimacy Skills: Later phases introduce techniques like pelvic floor coordination, hip movements, and suction-based penetration, which encourage clients to develop a more engaged, pleasurable experience with intimacy.
Somatic Awareness and Body Love: The Adamo Method emphasizes developing body confidence and positive self-perception through body-centered practices and exercises that address common psychosomatic challenges.
Long-Term Support for Healthy Intimacy: Beyond symptom management, the program offers a holistic framework for cultivating meaningful, sustainable change.
Conclusion: Recommending Paid Resources to Clients
Recommending paid resources can provide clients with valuable tools to support their growth. When approached ethically, these resources can deepen the impact of therapy and extend support beyond session time. By following these ethical guidelines—prioritizing client welfare, ensuring transparency, offering diverse options, avoiding exaggerated claims, and maintaining thorough documentation
Disclaimer: Dr. Molly Maloof is the founder and has a financial interest in Adamo. Any opinions, insights, or recommendations shared in this blog regarding Adamo are informed by her professional expertise and personal experience but may also reflect her vested interest in the company. Readers are encouraged to consider this relationship when evaluating the content and to consult independent sources or professionals for additional perspectives.
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