Dual Relationships Case Study

Dual relationships are common yet unethical in psychology. The professional plays a huge role on whether the dual relationships gets established between both themselves and the client. Although there have been cases where the client initiates and tries to take the relationship to the next level, it is ultimately the professionals decision to continue such act knowing that it is unethical of them to do so and is essentially hurting the counseling sessions for the client. Pope (1991) states that a dual relationship is when the therapist is in another significantly different relationship with their client. There a various type of “second roles” that could play in perspective with the client, some being, professional, financial or social. An

In this matter, we will label all categories into two broad categories, sexual or non-sexual relationship. An example of a multiple role relationship would be if you lived in a small community and you happened to take on a client who is owner of the pet grooming salon you bring your dog to. Not only is he the owner of the pet salon but he is also the priest at your local church. You both eventually decide to become business partners at this grooming salon. This resulting in an ethical conflict to arise. In this case, they are now connected on another level, more than just client and therapist. By not mixing your work life with your social life as well as entering a business with them, you will avoid any ethical issues to

In my first example regarding a dual relationship, under the APA Code of Ethics we may be violating the Code of Conduct 2.06: Competence Personal Problems and Conflicts. Since taking your niece as a client, you as the professional know how dangerous this may be to have your work and family/personal issues mix together. The APA states under 2.06 Code of Conduct that psychologists should ultimately refrain from an activity that they know will collide with personal issues. (American Psychological Association, 2017) By avoiding taking on family members as a client you would then avoid ethical violations by the APA. In the lens of the APA Code of Conducts 3.05 conflict of interest outlines that the professional should refrain from entering multiple relationships with the clients since it will ultimately harm their therapy