Dual+Relationship+LPC+Interview

Case -- Literature Review -- Legal Considerations -- Ethical Considerations -- Ethical Decision Making Model -- LPC Interview

=Licensed Professional Counselor Interview =



To receive peer input regarding this case, we consulted with Susan Sticha, LPC. Ms. Sticha has over twenty years of experience in the counseling field. She also serves as a supervisor for individuals seeking their counseling license.

When asked about her thoughts on the case, Ms. Sticha was very concerned about the violations she immediately noticed. She pointed out that it was inappropriate for Phyllis to be engaging in social interaction with Vanessa. Ms. Sticha stated she felt Phyllis should have stopped going to the aerobics class and not engage in the weekly breakfast meeting. Ms. Sticha also pointed out how Phyllis’ personal beliefs seem to be interfering with the therapeutic relationship and Vanessa’s care.

Ms. Sticha felt the best way to proceed in this case was for Phyllis to explain that she was not able to be objective in this situation and the counseling relationship should be terminated. Ms. Sticha feels there are too many boundary violations at this point and the relationship cannot be salvaged. She feels the client is being harmed by these boundary violations because she is not getting effective care and feels disapproval from her counselor through the social interaction. Ms. Sticha says, “If it were me, I would not go back to her again.”

As a supervisor, Ms. Sticha said she would try to get Phyllis to come to the ethical conclusion on her own. She would engage Phyllis with such questions as “How do you think your social involvement affects the client?”, “Do you think your beliefs are affecting the relationship?” and “Do you think you are being an effective counselor?”

Ultimately, Ms. Sticha feels that if Phyllis continues to counsel Vanessa, there may be legal repercussions. If Vanessa feels she is not getting the proper care, she could sue Phyllis for malpractice.

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