Dual+Relationship+Literature+Review

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

= Literature Review =



Dual relationships and boundary violations could happen in any counseling relationship. It is important to set and maintain professional boundaries to protect the counselor as well as provide the best care for the client.

The American Counseling Association Code of Ethics code 5.A.c states that “Counselor–client nonprofessional relationships with clients, former clients, their romantic partners, or their family members should be avoided, except when the interaction is potentially beneficial to the client.” If the counselor deems the dual relationship is beneficial for the client, they must document why they feel that way. (ACA Code of Ethics 2005).

According to Remley and Herlihy (2010), a boundary is the framework for the therapeutic relationship and the limits that apply to the professional relationship might not apply to a personal relationship. A dual relationship occurs when the professional takes on “significantly” different roles with one of their client’s students, or supervisees (Remley & Herlihy pg 195).

“Fostering ethical relationships between psychologists and patients is probably the best way to prevent problematic conduct. The process begins with a search for information that allows the psychologist to follow legal and ethical code mandates. Such actions have three important goals: 1) To prevent potential harm from multiple relationships to the client, 2) to prevent dual relationships from compromising the effective therapeutic efforts of well-trained and gifted psychologists, and 3) to press the appropriate officials to provide effective supervision, treatment, and when necessary, punishment for those who victimize their clients through multiple relationships...Psychologists must avoid the justification of multiple relationships as necessary, inevitable, or helpful to their clients” (Meryer).

While this speaks directly about psychologists, these guidelines also apply to counselors and the impact dual relationships can have on their clients. Clients can be harmed in dual relationships due to the power differential between counselor and client. “It is possible that counselors may unintentionally or unconsciously exploit or harm clients who are in a vulnerable position in the relationship” (Remley & Herlihy, pg 199).

Dual relationships can happen to any professional. It takes awareness and regular assessment to identify and prevent dual relationships. “All of us can—and do—sometimes make mistakes about boundary decisions” (Pope & Spiegel, 2008). Professionals must monitor themselves to reduce harm to a client caused by a dual relationship. “It takes considerable professional maturity to make an honest appraisal of how your behavior affects your clients” (Corey, 2009). It is often difficult in the case of dual relationships to recognize where boundary crossings have occurred and where they are causing harm to the client.

Overall the literature on dual relationships discourages professionals from practicing near the slippery slope. Due to the nature of harm that can befall the client as a result of dual relationships, professionals are encouraged to be aware of their interactions with their clients and only engage in dual relationships when it can be documented that it will benefit the client.

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References

American Counseling Association (2005). ACA Code of Ethics. Alexandria, VA

Corey, Gerald. "Ethical issues in counseling practice." Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. 8th ed. Australia: Thomson/Brooks/Cole, 2009. 37-56. Retreived on April 20, 2013 from http://books.google.com/books

Meyer, James. (n.d). Fresh Legal Perspectives: Psychologist in dual Relationships. (APA Legal division). Florida Psychological Association. Retrieved April 20, 2013 from http://www.apa.org/divisions/div12/legalper.pdf

Pope, K., & Keith-Spiegel, P. (2008). A practical approach to boundaries in psychotherapy: making decisions, bypassing blunders, and mending fences. Journal Of Clinical Psychology, 64(5), 638-652. doi:10.1002/jclp.20477

[|Remley, Theodore Phant, and Barbara Herlihy. "Boundary Issues." Ethical, legal, and professional issues in counseling. 3rd ed. Boston: Merrill, 2010. 194-219. Print.]