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Navigating Dual/Multiple
Relationships
Respond to:
It is not always possible for counselors to
play a singular role in their work, nor is
this always desirable. It is likely that
counselors will have to wrestle with
balancing multiple roles in their
professional and non-professional
relationships.
Questions to ask
Is entering into a relationship in addition to the professional one
necessary, or should I avoid it?
Can this relationship potentially cause harm to the client?
If harm seems unlikely, would the additional relationship prove
beneficial?
Is there a risk that the dual relationship could disrupt the
therapeutic relationship?
Can I evaluate this matter objectively?
It is good practice to discuss with the client the potential problems of
entering into a multiple relationship and to actively involve the
client in the decision-making process as fully as possible.
Younggren and Gottlieb (2004)
Informed consent needs to occur at the beginning of and throughout the relationship.
When dual/multiple relationships are particularly problematic, or when the risk for
harm is high, practitioners would be wise to work under supervision.
Situation 1
You have been counseling an adolescent
for several months. Unbeknown to you,
your daughter is in school with your client
and they are working on a project
together. Your client is the friend of mine
whos coming to dinner tonight so we can
work on our project together. As your
client leaves your office after a session she
states, See you tonight at supper.
Situation 2
Every morning for the past year youve
stopped at Starbucks for coffee on your
way to work. Almost every day the same
barista makes your coffee. Although only
on a first name basis, youve come to know
each other fairly well; youve discussed
your children, weekend plans, etc. You
enter the waiting room and are both taken
aback when you discover that he is your
new client.
Situation 3
You receive a phone call from an attorney who has a
practice in the same town in which you practice. He
regularly refers clients to you. Although you arent
friends, you have used him in the past for legal advice
and help and attend the same church. He is currently in
the midst of a crisis and wants your professional help.
When you suggest to him that he might be more
comfortable working with someone other than you, he
asserts that he has little trust for people in the
community, but does trust you. He also states that with
his busy schedule its not possible to travel outside of the
county for weekly sessions.
Situation 4
You are a counselor in full time private
practice. You also teach as an adjunct
instructor at the local university. When
you receive your class roster you notice
that one of your students is a long
standing client.
Situation 5
You are working with a 19 year old male.
Although not the primary issue for which
he sought counseling, a year ago his best
friend died tragically. Your client has
never been to the grave site and believes
that he must. He is unable to go alone,
with other friends or family. He has asked
if you would go with him.
References
American Counseling Association. (2005). Code of Ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author.
Herlihy, B., & Corey, G. (2009). Boundaries in Counseling: Ethical & Clinical Issues.
Hobart, NY: Hatherleigh Publishing company, LTD.
Herlihy, B., & Corey, G. (2006b). Boundary issues in counseling: Multiple roles and
responsibilities (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.
Moleski, S. M., & Kiselica, M. S. (2005). Dual relationships: A continuum ranging from
the destructive to the therapeutic. Journal of Counseling and Development. 83(1), 311.
Younggren, J. N., & Gottlieb, M. C. (2004). Managing risk when contemplating multiple
relationships. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 35(3), 255-260.
Zur, O. (2007) Boundaries in psychotherapy: Ethical and clinical explorations.
Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Zur, O., & Lazarus, A. A. (2002). Six arguments against dual relationships and their
rebuttals. In A. A. Lazarus & O. Zur (Eds.), Dual relationship and psychotherapy (pp.
3-24). New York: Springer.