Boundary Concerns for the Counselor-Client Relationship

However, the counselor should not show favor or un-favor towards clients. “These feelings may be the

To have good ethical practice within counselling it is important that there are boundaries and contracts in place that are agreed to and understood by both the counsellor and the client.

The counselor may never engage in a romantic or sexual relationship with a former client.

* It is not the job of the counselor to instill his/her values onto a client. The counselor shold try to remain as neutral as possible. Even if the husband feels the extra-marital relationship is enhancing

In conclusion there are ways to maintain the healthy relationship with your client. No matter when the dual relationship may occur, before during or after, it should be avoided at all cost if it jeopardizes the

Client is currently in a relationship with Corey Gamble. They have been partners for a year and half. Client has strong emotional connection with her partner. She feels safe and secured. Client is private about her sexual activity with partner.

There are two relationships present; one is a counselor/client and the other is familial. Being a family member of a client is problematic since there’s a bond based on family, emotion and love, which are all things that a counselor/client relationship cannot have. You’ve created an overlap in relationships, which can be confusing to the client (Miller,

Sexual intimacies are another area in which similarities and differences can be observed between the two codes of ethics. Both codes of ethics prohibit sexual and romantic relationships between counselors and clients. Sections A.5.a and A.5.b of the ACA code of ethics clearly state this (American Counseling Association, 2005, p 5). This is also clearly stated in section 1-131 of the AACC code of ethics (AACC Law and Ethics Committee, 2004, p 8.). At this point, it is necessary to point out differences between these two codes of ethics in this regards. The AACC guideline clearly forbids sexual and romantic relationships with former clients but provides an exception as stated in section 1-133 where possible marriage is involved (AACC Law and Ethics Committee, 2004, p 8). On the other hand,

Dual relationships, and psychotherapy clients has been the subject of controversy in professional psychology. Generally these relationships are considered to be unethical. (Zur, 2015). Dual relationships in psychotherapy refers to any situation where various roles are present between a therapist and a consumer. Examples of this relationship are when a client is a friend, student, family member, or employer in connection with therapist or the one providing treatment or services.

For that reason, in the mental health professions, dual relationships are generally not recommended. Thus, if your friend who’s a psychologist assumes two more roles consecutively with a client, this is considered a dual relationship. For instance, if an individual held a role as a counselor and business partner, or client and friend, this is a considered a dual relationship. Common examples of dual relationships include: bartering therapy for goods or services; providing

According to Syne (2006), a dual relationship occurs when people take on multiple roles in their relationships with other people. While dual relationships

There are several things that surprised me during the discussion between Jeff, Wendy, and Dr. Garson. One is closely Jeff and Wendy’s ministry follows the APA’s counseling standards. For example, Section 4.01 discusses how the counselor should maintain confidentiality according to the APA Code of Ethics 2014; Jeff and Wendy stated that in Group session they tend discusses general situations and how to respond in which specific personal situations are discussed in private counseling sessions. Also, Jeff discussed a situation where he would have to refer the client in which the client wants to enhance the same sex relationship because that is not what their ministry and practice does, which is in APA standards as well.

A second issue is whether the client may ever need to seek treatment again. If the former client is now romantically involved with the therapist, further engagement in therapy would be prohibited with this therapist. A referral elsewhere would need to be made. If the therapist judges this situation to be likely to arise, it would be wise not to engage in a sexual relationship with the former client.

Dual relationships occur when a practitioner is in a professional role with a client as well as taking on another role outside the clinic with the client. The professional needs to assess the risk in the relationship and whether both the practitioner and the client can differentiate between a boundary crossing and a boundary violation. In rural area’s a dual relationship may be unavoidable, the article discuses that the practitioner may have been chosen because of the prior relationship, and that some form of prior relationship may even be a prerequisite for the development of trust and respect in a small community. However, Zur also writes about the “Slippery Slope Effect” in which that all boundary crossings eventually lead to sexual relationships and boundary violations. The author then notes that the slippery slope effect is an unreasonable link and adds that when thinking of crossing a boundary the professional needs to consider the welfare of the client and benefits to treatments, whilst avoiding harm or exploitation and to respect the client’s autonomy (Zur 2004, pp27-32).

There are many ethical issues that can arise during counseling. One issue that is fairly common is sexual attraction from patient to counselor, counselor to patient, or even in both directions. Even though an attraction may exist, this does not necessarily mean that these instincts will be followed in any inappropriate way. In fact attraction is a natural part of life and is impossible to avoid. However, any fulfillment of these desires is an unethical act that could not only be in violation of the code of ethics that a counselor is bound by, but it could also subject the counselor and their organization to litigation and legal action.