Dual Relationships Between Counselors and Clients

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Dual Relationships in Counseling This paper will explore the concept of dual relationships between counselors and clients and the ethical implications of such relationships. In addition to presenting several examples of dual relationships, this paper will also explore how ethical decisions must be made to avoid potentially harmful or exploitive relationships in therapy as well understanding how different interactions between counselor and clients can be understood from an ethical standpoint, as well as how reviewing these ethical dilemmas may shape my future career as a counselor. According to Syne (2006), a dual relationship occurs when people take on multiple roles in their relationships with other people. While dual relationships exists in many different aspects of our society, dual relationships between a client and counselor bring a host of challenges and opportunities for the client and counselor from an ethical standpoint. Nigro and Uhlemann (2004) explain that because of the challenges presented by dual relationships, many counselors work to avoid and prohibit them. But from an ethical standpoint, such relationships do not always negatively impact clients. As a result, dual relationships tend to be one of the top ethical dilemmas reported by therapists. Sexual relationships between counselors and clients should never ben permitted due to the power associated with the counselor’s role with clients. While ethical guidelines vary between different counseling associations as to whether it is acceptable for counselors to have sexual relationships with clients after the professional relationship has ended, in many cases these relationships continue to be prohibited. This standard is held because some believe that the powe... ... middle of paper ... ...otional boundaries to become unclear through touch would be something that I would avoid. However, as with all of these situations that might result in dual relationships, I would utilize my supervisor as well my own ethical decision making to make a choice that was most helpful to the client. Each situation discussed in this paper provides opportunities for a counselor to explore how a dual relationship would impact the therapeutic relationship with clients and the overall well being of clients. Each ethical dilemma should be handled individually and with the support of a counselor’s supervisor while also taking into account laws or guidelines set forth by employers as decisions are made. As a new counselor I look forward to this decision making process and the personal growth I will experience and the clients I will benefit as a result of my ethical actions.

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