Multiple Relationships ch 7 Flashcards
What is multiple relationships?
The blending of a professional relationship with one or more other
relationships.
Ethics code on Multiple relationships?
therapist refrains from entering into a multiple relationship with a current client, former client or anyone closely associated with client if:
it impairs therapists competence in therapy OR risks exploitation/harm to client
multiple relationships are always unethical?
FALSE
ethical issues surrounding multiple relationships?
exploiting client satisfying therapist needs harm to client detrimental to therapy roles blurred
What can prevent multiple relationships?
boundaries *constantly monitor
What type of boundaries should you have to prevent multiple relationships?
physical: (no touching/seeing clients outside of therapy)
emotional: (use clients to satisfy needs) ex. loans money
Psychological: (countertransference) control
sexual: (clothing, behavior, non-verbal, verbal)
What are the types of multiple relationships?
- social relationships
- sexual relationships
- bartering
What are examples of social relationships?
events (weddings/grad) time together financial (business) daily life family activities interpersonal (friends)
What is it appropriate to engage in social relationship with client?
it is appropriate: being an integral part of the process (aka graduation)
*best if client initiates
What are the pros of social relationships?
gives insight into personal life
builds trust
What are the cons of social relationships?
codependence
roles blurred
no work/life balance
changes transference (if they don’t know about you then their assumptions about you are their own projections)
How do you resolve multiple relationships?
consult other professionals
clarify roles
process with client
rectify situation
When is a client legally and ethically a “former client”?
legally: 2 years after termination
ethically: never
What is the exception of multiple relationships?
when they are no longer a client (2 years after termination) & therapist can prove it is not exploitative & under unusual circumstances
Why is sexual attraction common in therapy?
trust
intimacy
vulnerability
privacy
What is the definition of sex?
broad and general
touching, verbal, non-verbal, emotional
what does CA law say about multiple relationships?
it is illegal, unethical & unprofessional to engage in sexual activity with current client & to terminate therapy to pursue sexual relationships
What do you do when a client tells you of a sexual relationship with their former therapist?
you are MANDATED to:
give them and discuss the pamphlet “prof therapy never includes sex”
What client risk factors increase likelihood of sexual activity in therapy?
hospitalization low level of functioning borderline/dependent personality past sexual abuse, hurt, fear innapropriate parent relationships
What therapist risk factors increase likelihood of sexual activity in therapy?
feelings of inadequacy & low self-esteem
child experiences of seductive behavior
limited fantasy life
lack of parental boundaries
unable to tolerate transference of client
unable to tolerate countertransference of feelings towards client
What are the guidelines for nonsexual touching?
discuss prior
ask permission
consider clients background (trauma/abuse)
process all touch
not just at termination
you don’t know what a touch means to a client
What is bartering?
Exchange of therapeutic/professional services for something other
than money such as services or goods.
Is bartering allowed?
only if: it is suitable to client & it is not exploitative
guidelines for bartering?
informed consent: determine value of goods and length of agreement
What are the pros, cons and alternatives to bartering?
pros: allows services that wouldn’ totherwise happen
cons: unequal exchange
alternative: referrals, adjust fee, pro bono
