Sexuality is a sensitive issue that manifests itself in almost every professional area. In conducting counseling therapies, counselors may find themselves entangled in sexual attraction scenarios involving their clients. Studies show that multiple relationships between clients and therapists are unavoidable in many cases ( Corey, 2019) . Although an agreement can be written and signed to prevent any occurrence of sexual attraction, it can still arise from the client or from the therapist and can translate to the violation of ethical boundaries. If I find myself developing sexual attraction to my client, I would first talk to a colleague therapist about it so that I can get advice on how to still maintain an ethical relationship with my client. Also, I would consider undertaking seek personal counseling to help uncover underlying feelings or issues that I could be dealing with unconsciously (Proctor, 2014). If I cannot continue counseling my client due to the developing sexual attraction, to safeguard the client’s well-being, I would refer the client to another therapist.
When sexual attraction arises from the client, as the therapist I would employ an approach different from the one I would apply if I was the source. First, I would acknowledge my client’s feelings as normal and appreciate their vulnerability and courage as I maneuver towards bringing up the feelings (Proctor, 2014). I would go further to explain to my client that intimacy that may arise from therapeutic sessions can be defined as contextual love which is detrimental to counseling. I would stress that developing a sexual relationship is out of bounds as described in the assigned agreement. Again, I would not shame my client by making an effort to track any signs of shame and rejection then trying to sort them out. In addition, I can look for therapeutic ways in which the sexuality issue can be addressed while still helping the client (Proctor, 2014). If the situation proves to be difficult to handle, I would seek supervision assistance.
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Although various codes of ethics from different organizations provide guidelines on how to handle certain situations in professional practice, oftentimes there occur ethical dilemmas that oblige practitioners to embark on supervision and experience ( Corey, 2019) . For instance, in this case of sexuality, what would be the best approach for sexual attraction arising from both the client and the therapist at the same time?
References
Corey, G.C.M.S.C. C. (2019). Issues and Ethics in the Helping Professions. [Bookshelf Ambassadored] (pp. 254-263). Retrieved from https://ambassadored.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781337671378/
Proctor, G. M. (2014). Values and ethics in counseling and psychotherapy . SAGE.
