When a mental health professional has a connection with a client in addition to the therapist-client relationship, then a secondary relationship is present. Boundary extensions expresses the overlapping connections between a client and therapist. Counselors ought to be cautious about such connections. For the reason being, they put themselves at risk for potential harm within a nonprofessional relationship with a former client or those close to them (Welfel, 2015). There are several risks that arise in multiple relationships that are far more complex than one might think. One of the dynamics that affects the potential for client benefit in such relationships is their emotional involvement. Client’s confidence and trust in the therapist’s knowledge, …show more content…
The reason why your therapist shouldn’t be the same person whom you have had a sexual relationship with is grounded in empirical evidence of harm to clients and in the fundamental value of the profession. People normally enter therapy treatment when their self-esteem is compromised, emotional distress is high, and their interpersonal relationships are at risk. With that being said, people who are in this state of mind tend to be more vulnerable to harm from irresponsible professionals (Welfel, 2015). Additionally, sexual exploitation of clients by therapists is a deliberately unethical practice and can tremendously harm the client in the long run. As a therapist, their primary duty is to avoid harming the client in any possible way; having sexual relationships most certainly increases the degree of risk of harming a client. It is prohibited to have any sexual relationship with a current client and recommended to avoid any sexual contact even …show more content…
In addition, the article provides a summary of boundary issues in social work such as, situations including dual and multiple relationships and presents a conceptually grounded typology of boundary issues in the profession (Reamer, 2003). In order to protect the client and minimize possible harm derived from sexual feelings, social workers should establish clear risk management standards and procedures. The author demonstrates a thorough risk management protocol to deal with the boundary issues, which include six major elements. First, one must be aware of possible or actual conflict of interest. Next, one must notify clients and colleagues about potential or actual conflicts of interest; exploring sound remedies. The third step consists of consulting with colleagues and supervisors, relevant literature, regulations, policies, and codes of ethics to recognize related boundary issues and practical choices (Reamer, 2003). Fourth, one should develop a plan of action that addresses the boundary issues and protects clients, colleagues, and third parties to the highest degree possible. The fifth step involves one to document all meetings, discussions, supervision, and other steps that were taken to address boundary issues. Finally, one should implement a strategy to monitor the execution of
Handon, R. M. (2014, December). Client Relationships and Ethical Boundaries for Social Workers in Child Welfare. The New Social Worker, (winter), 1-6.
A common struggle for counselors can sometimes be to find the right balance between “the demands or managed mental health requirements and obligations to clients” (Braun & Cox, 2005, p.426). Often times counselors may be t...
Stickley, T. & Freshwater, D. (2006). “The Art of Listening to the Therapeutic Relationship” Journal of Mental health Practice. 9 (5) pp12 - 18.
As a psychologist in a mental health profession, you should avoid conflicts of interest when providing any professional services to a client. Engaging in any activity with a client that makes the boundary between a provider and a client somewhat un...
According to Allison L. Kramer (2016) in her “Why we can’t be friends” article, researches have observed numerous relationships between psychotherapists and their present and/ or previous clients. Boundary issues have been studied in the world of ethics and dual-role relationships with current clients are ordinary for some practitioners in their daily practice. Meaning it isn’t rare to run into dual relationships in counseling. These relationships aren’t always negative nor avoidable states Kramer. The example she used for dual-role relationships being advantageous and unavoidable was a school guidance counselor having multiple roles in the school. The counselor could also be “a coach of a sports team, thus filling both a counselor and
This assignment will give a reflective account of two main communication skills that are important for relationship-based practice in social work. Relationship based practice is important in social work, this establishes a positive relationship with professionals and service users. In agreement of Carl Rogers (2012) and Threvithick (2012) it is vital to establish relationship based practice because it demonstrates social workers are trustworthy and dependable, this will enable the service users feel more confident to disclose information, be more open rather than distrustful and taking all the support in consideration rather than being wary. Relationship based practice supports unpretentious approach with service users and carries out progressive
Current research implies that an empathetic clinician-client relationship and interrelated ecosystems play the majority role in the success of therapy (Kilpatrick & Holland, 2009). The clinician’s ability to be present and actively perceive what the client is experiencing is of utmost importance in creating a therapeutic alliance. It is imperative that the clinician gains positive regard towards the client and their environment displaying honest acceptance towards the client no matter what issues are presented in session. This closely relates to a sincere presentation of genuineness that instills a feeling of honesty within the client and clinician (Kilpatrick & Holland, 2009). An experienced clinician builds upon the therapeutic
The field of clinical mental health is one of great reward, but also one of grave responsibility. It is the duty of the counselor to provide the client with a safe environment and an open mind, in order to foster a healthy therapeutic relationship. The majority of mental health counselors would never intentionally harm their clients; however; good intentions are not enough to ensure that wrong will not occur. The ethical expectations and boundaries are regulated by both laws and professional codes. When discussing ethics, one must realize there are two categories, mandatory and aspirational. (Corey, Corey & Callanan, 2007)
Research has shown that a strong therapeutic alliance is necessary for establishing a beneficial contact between the therapist and the client. If the therapist does not encourage the creation of a reliable therapeutic alliance from the beginning of the treatment, it will be hard to develop a constructive relationship with the client later. Establishing the therapeutic alliance will increase the chances of achieving the goal of the treatment because the clients will be willing to cooperate if they trust and respect the therapist. Clients are not likely to cooperate with therapists who impose their authority aggressively. Instead of imposing their authority on the patient, therapists should develop work with their patients by building a mutual relationship based on trust, understanding, and respect for the client.
Ruddy, N. B., Borresen, D. A., & Gunn Jr., W. B. (2008). Colocating with medical professionals: A new model of integrated care. In The collaborative psychotherapist: Creating reciprocal relationships with medical professionals (pp.115–133). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
As a student new to social work, The Code of Ethics written by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is in the forefront of my mind whenever practicing my freshly learned skills. According to the Code, these rules were written as the “values, principles, and standards to guide social workers’ conduct” (Code of Ethics - NASW, n.d.). Within my most-recent session, certain aspects of this code were relevant, including informed consent, privacy and confidentiality, a commitment to the client, the dignity and worth of a person, the importance of human relationships, integrity and competency of the worker, and social diversity.
Advocating for vulnerable persons creates emotions and feelings that could lead to inappropriateness amongst clients. As social workers, we walk a very thin line sometimes in the aspects of helping a client. This makes it easy to stray away from policy and procedure and go with our own personal feelings. The consequences which can result from not establishing appropriate boundaries can be detrimental to my career as a social worker and to a client.
It provides guidelines on the standards and explains that social workers must be aware of their limits and not attempt to create any dual relationships with clients. Standard 1.06 (a) requires that client’s rights and interests be protected at all times. It informs that to ensure this, social workers must terminate their professional relationships with clients and engage in the creation of proper referral procedures (Reamer, 2003). Standard 1.06 (b) dictates that social workers must never take unfair advantage of colleagues and should also not exploit them for personal gains in a professional relationship. Standard 1.06 (c) entails no engagement in multiple relationships with clients, especially in situations where potential harm or exploitation may arise (Reamer,
Stickley,T. & Freshwater, D. (2006). “The Art of Listening to the Therapeutic Relationship” Journal of Mental health Practice. 9 (5) pp12 - 18.
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.