The master’s thesis examines ethical dilemmas and challenges encountered by psychotherapists working in Slovenia and the ways they recognise and address them. The qualitative study included 31 psychotherapists from different psychotherapeutic orientations, organised into five focus groups. Data analysis showed that ethical dilemmas are a frequent and diverse part of psychotherapeutic practice. The most prominent issues concerned therapeutic boundaries and confidentiality, while dilemmas also arose in work with couples, families and minors, in situations involving risk, when balancing client autonomy and well-being, and when assessing the limits of professional competence. Participants understood ethical codes mainly as a professional framework and support for ethical judgement rather than as a source of unambiguous solutions. When no clear answer is available, decision-making involves weighing ethical principles, the circumstances of the individual case and possible consequences, together with self-reflection and acceptance of a degree of uncertainty. Supervision was identified as an important source of support, providing another perspective and an opportunity to review one’s judgement. Contemporary challenges included digital boundaries, remote psychotherapy, data protection, online information and the use of artificial intelligence. To support more ethically responsible practice, participants emphasised professional collaboration, continuing professional development, practice-oriented ethics education, open professional dialogue and updated professional guidelines. The findings contribute to a better understanding of ethical decision-making in Slovenian psychotherapeutic practice and highlight the need for systematic support for psychotherapists when addressing complex dilemmas.
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