The ACA and NAADAC are groups that have common ethical codes that foster the proper treatment of their patients by fostering relationships that equals rather than taking unfair advantage of all parties involved. As such, the relationships should be at a level and length that is necessary and acceptable in terms of care accorded. When considering dual relationships, counselors are guided by certain boundaries and responsibilities. As such, the ACA and NAADAC Code of Ethics prohibits addiction professionals from having any sort of multiple relationships or commitments that will conflict with family members, close associates, and friends among others because it jeopardizes their welfare. For example, addiction professionals are specifically prohibited to engage in any sexual relationship with current or formers clients (Remley & Herlihy, 2010).
However, the NAADAC Code of Ethics asserts that such dual relationships are unavoidable in nature because there is some other relationship with the individual, it can be through a friend, family members or even business partner (NAADAC, 2011). Hence, avoiding such multiple relationships in nature is aspirational. Nonetheless, in such instances where boundaries need to be extended, the ACA and NAADAC Code of Ethics have put in place professional precautions. This may include things like having an informed consent, supervision, consultation, and documentation all that will ensure that no harm and or exploitation occurs and judgment is not impaired (ACA, 2014). When it comes to entering a dual relationship, a counselor makes a decision by looking at the potential benefits and harm of the interaction in question. There are those relationships that are exploitative in nature and others bring harm to their clients both former and current. However, nonsexual relationships are permissible ethically, but under certain circumstances because of their potential to blur existing boundaries between a counselor and client. Moreover, these interactions are subject to create a conflict of interest, which will in effect enhance abuse of power that brings about different expectations for both counselor and client with regard to the therapy session.
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In the first situation, it is vital for the counselor to remind him or herself concerning the ways that address issues of transference and counter-transference. As such, this is something that needs to be addressed during the therapy session and acknowledge that there is an attraction that needs to be analyzed in order to promote the welfare of the client. Through stating what is going on is a powerful therapeutic technique that has helped many counselors solve issues of attraction. Furthermore, working through the issues with the client will increase honesty levels and thus, the ability to address real reasons for the counseling will be met on behalf of the client. At all times, the counselor-client relationship needs to remain intact irrespective of the prevailing issue. The second issue is one that needs to be addressed is at a professionals personal level because it is coming from one side. Such issues tend to arise, but it is necessary for the counselor to remind himself of the vows he took that dictates to him the importance of meeting the needs of his clients. By reminding himself of this vow the counselor is at a good position to handle the issue in an ethical and professional way. The third issue should be addressed directly to the client and id or when the client insists on wanting to have a romantic relationship with the counselor, then the professional will be forced to resort to other measures such as referring the client to another counselor.
References
American Counseling Association, ACA. (2014). 2014 ACA Code of Ethics as approved by the ACA Governing Council. Alexandria, VA: Author.
NAADAC: The Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC). (2011). Code of Ethics. Retrieved from www.naadac.org.
Remley, T., & Herlihy, B. (2010). Ethics and boundary issues: Case studies II.
