In their interactions with clients, counselors need to observe boundaries. The purpose of these boundaries is to create an environment where the counselors conduct themselves professionally and in line with the code of ethics that govern their work. Most counselors recognize the importance of boundaries. However, there is a small minority of counselors who tarnish the image of the profession by offering services to clients to whom they are related in some way. These relationships threaten the integrity of the profession and undermine the effectiveness of counseling services.
Types of Dual/Multiple Relationships
Dual/multiple relationships refer to situations in which the counselor is related to the client in a way that extends beyond the acceptable client-counselor relationship (Barnett & Johnson, 2015). These relationships can occur in different forms. Some of the types of the dual/multiple relationship include student-counselor, counselor-family member, business associate-counselor and friend-counselor. Basically, the dual relationships occur when the counselor’s objectivity is compromised as the client is personally known to them.
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Negative Effects
Nearly all the effects of dual and multiple relationships on chemical dependency counseling and negative. Among these effects is that these relationships could impair objectivity and erode the competence of the counselor (Behnke, 2004). For instance, suppose that a counselor is dispensing advice to a client grappling which chemical dependency and happens to be a close friend. It will be difficult for the counselor to require the client/friend to make difficult and painful decisions that are needed for recovery. This example shows that multiple relationships could compromise the effectiveness of counseling. Another effect of these relationships is that the client could suffer harm. Feelings of discomfort and the disruption of the work-life divide are other adverse effects that multiple relationships can cause (Nigro, 2010). One of the basic principles of counseling is confidentiality. All the information that clients share with their counselors are supposed to be accorded utmost confidentiality and privacy. The multiple/dual relationships make it difficult for the principle of confidentiality to be respected (Pepper, 2007). Since the impacts of the dual/multiple relationships are mostly adverse, counselors should avoid these relationships.
Types of Discipline
When they develop dual/multiple relationships with their clients, chemical dependency counselors should expect disciplinary action. The action takes various forms. Some of the common actions include fines, reprimands, suspensions, probations, revocation of licenses, mandatory counseling, and mandatory continued education (Ahia & Boccone, 2017). It is important to note that the action instituted against the counselor depends on the nature of relationship with client. For example, the disciplinary measure is likely to be harsh when it is determined that the relationship had a sexual component. It would not be surprising if the counselor’s license is revoked.
Malpractice Lawsuits
A clear relationship has been established between malpractice lawsuits and multiple/dual relationships. In her text, Amy Novotney (2016) cautions that when they are involved in multiple or dual relationships, counselors expose themselves to the risk of malpractice lawsuits. For example, suppose that the counselor develops a sexual relationship with the client. The client may file a malpractice lawsuit arguing that the counselor committed sexual violations. Another example is that the client could argue that they suffered harm as a result of the interventions that the counselor did or failed to prescribe. In an earlier section, it was stated that dual relationships come with such pitfalls as eroding the objectivity and competence of the practitioner. With their objectivity hampered, the counselor is unable to offer care that allows the client to find healing and recovery. This counselor could be the subject of a malpractice lawsuit. If they wish to secure themselves and their agencies against legal action, counselors should take all necessary steps to end multiple/dual relationships. It is even better when the counselors do not allow these relationships to form in the first place.
Recommendations
The best approach to multiple/dual relationships is to prevent their formation. However, in situations where these relationships have already been established, more harm can occur if they are terminated. Fortunately, there are some guidelines that counselors and supervisors can adopt in their dealings with clients who are also their family members, supervisees or former clients. Defining boundaries and establishing clear guidelines are some of the best practices for managing multiple/dual relationships (Novotney, 2016). For example, during the initial phases of the counseling process, the counselor could make clear that they will not provide certain services or that the counseling will remain professional. They should ensure that the clients understand that no personal issues not related to counseling will be allowed to creep into the counseling program. Obtaining malpractice insurance is another strategy that the counselor could adopt (Novotney, 2016). Earlier, it was pointed out that multiple/dual relationships can lead to malpractice lawsuits. To shield themselves against these lawsuits, counselors and supervisors should purchase malpractice insurance.
In conclusion, counselors play a vital role in safeguarding human mental health. However, such factors as multiple/dual relationships pose a serious threat to the work of counselors. Left unchecked, these relationships can hamper objectivity and competence of the counselor. Furthermore, they can cause patients to suffer harm while leading to malpractice lawsuits. To ensure that the relationships do not interfere with their work, counselors should draw boundaries and require their clients to respect these boundaries. Obtaining malpractice insurance is also an effective strategy. The most effective approach to dealing with the multiple/dual relationships is taking steps to prevent their formation to begin with.
References
Ahia, C. E., & Boccone, P. J. (2017). Licensure board actions against professional counselors: implications for counselor training and practice. Retrieved March 19, 2019 from https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/vistas/article_396bce2bf16116603abcacff0000bee5e7.pdf?sfvrsn=f5d84b2c_4
Barnett, J. E., & Johnson, W. B. (2015). Boundaries and multiple relationships in counseling. In Ethics desk reference for counselors. Second Edition. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
Behnke, S. (2004). Multiple relationships and APA's new Ethics Code: Values and applications. APA. Retrieved March 19, 2019 from https://www.apa.org/monitor/jan04/ethics
Nigro, T. (2010). Counselors’ experiences with problematic dual relationships. Journal of Ethics & Behavior, 14 (1), 51-64.
Novotney, A. (2016). 5 ways to avoid malpractice. Monitor on Psychology, 47 (3), 56.
Pepper, R. (2007). Too close for comfort: the impact of dual relationships on group therapy and group therapy training. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 57 (1), 49-59.
