Free CLEE Dual Relationships Questions and Answers
A therapist has been seeing a client for six months. The client invites the therapist to their wedding, stating that the therapist has been a significant part of their healing journey. What should the therapist do?
Attending a client’s wedding could blur the boundaries between the professional and personal relationship, which might interfere with the therapeutic process. Ethically, therapists should avoid dual relationships that could impair objectivity, clinical judgment, or exploit the client.
A therapist in a small community runs into a client at a local grocery store. The client begins to share personal issues, seeking advice. What is the most ethical response?
While it is common to encounter clients in public, continuing therapy outside of a professional setting can create dual relationships. The therapist should maintain boundaries by redirecting the client to the appropriate setting for therapeutic discussions.
A therapist receives a friend request from a current client on a social media platform. What is the most ethical course of action?
Engaging with clients on social media can lead to boundary issues and dual relationships. The ethical response is to decline the request and have a discussion with the client about the importance of maintaining clear professional boundaries.
A therapist has a long-term client who runs a business offering services that the therapist could benefit from. The client offers a discount on their services to the therapist. How should the therapist respond?
Accepting discounts or services from a client can create a conflict of interest and blur professional boundaries, leading to a dual relationship. It is important for the therapist to maintain a clear boundary by declining the offer.
A therapist lives in a rural area where it is common to encounter clients in various social or community settings. Which of the following is the most ethical approach?
In rural or small communities, dual relationships may be unavoidable. The best approach is to establish clear boundaries from the outset and communicate openly with clients about how to handle potential encounters outside of therapy.