Examples Of Dual Relationships In Social Work

Dual Relationships in a Social Worker’s Context
“Dual or multiple relationships” is a second relationship that arises between two individuals who are currently or were previously relating with each other in a professional social worker to client manner. In my understanding, it is a relationship that is outside what is intended, and goes beyond to break professional boundaries that formerly existed between two people who may have same or different professionals. In view of the ethical values, dual relationship includes factors such as; bartering for goods and, or services; providing therapy to a relative or a relative of a friend; socializing with clients; and lastly, becoming emotionally attached to or involved with the client or former client

There are quite some unique challenges that may exist at the rural level regarding dual or multiple relationships. They include self-matching, rural clinician isolation, the creation of boundaries among the community members as well as the existing ethical principles that compete with one another. Self-matching often ensures that clients categorize themselves and the social workers regarding race, education and religion among others. Hence, they only prefer certain health workers whom they believe are in a better position to understand them since they have certain similarities. As a result, dependency and dual relationship ensue between the clients and the social workers that may interact in the same community, social circles, religious institution and the like (Gonyea, Wright & Kulkosky, 2014). Setting clear boundaries, especially in a rural community, is very important due to the close-knit nature of these environments, as it is inevitable that the worker may encounter their clients out in public settings

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,