Law & Ethics Chpt. 7

Front 1

Dual and/or multiple relationships

Back 1

When clinician blends their professional relationship with another kind of relationship with a client. Examples include: a) providing therapy to a relative or friend's relative b) socializing with client c) becoming emotionally or sexually involved with a client d) combining the role of supervisor and therapist e) borrowing from or loaning money to a client.

Front 2

What does the law address regarding dual/multiple relationships?

Back 2

It does not address them except regarding sex with clients,which is prohibited by law.

Front 3

What do the ethics codes emphasize regarding dual/multiple relationships?

Back 3

1) they should be avoided except when potentially beneficial to client. 2) avoid them to the extent possible and document if they are unavoidable 3) not all dual relationships are unavoidable but in such case, up to clinician to examine motivation for such relationship 4) HARMING OR EXPLOITING A CLIENT IS UNETHICAL.

Front 4

What behaviors have the potential for creating dual relationships?

Back 4

1) accepting invitation from client to attend special event 2) bartering 3) accepting gifts 4) attending same activities as clients 5) accepting hugs

Front 5

What is 'boundary crossing' vs. 'boundary violation'?

Back 5

Boundary crossing=departure from commonly accepted practices that could potentially benefit clients.
Boundary violation=serious breach that results in harm to clients.

Front 6

What is the 'slippery slope' phenomenon?

Back 6

Contends that therapists who push nonsexual boundaries are more likely to become sexually involved with clients. Involves the notion that clinicians need to exercise caution before entering into all types of multiple relationships. CLEAR AND CONSISTENT BOUNDARIES ARE ESSENTIAL!

Front 7

What is 'role blending'?

Back 7

Combining roles and responsibilities. Examples include: a) counselor educators may function as teacher, therapist, mentor,supervisor, b) supervisors may serve as evaluators as well as assist supervisees. Role blending not unethical but need vigilance to maintain objectivity and prevent exploitation.

Front 8

What are the guidelines for minimizing dual relationships?

Back 8

1) maintain healthy boundaries from the start 2) secure informed consent regarding potential risks/benefits of dual relationships 3) talk with clients about any potential problems/conflicts that may arise 4) seek supervision/consultation when they become problem or risk increases 5) document any dual relationships in clinical case notes 6) when necessary, refer client to another professional.

Front 9

Issue in small/rural communities

Back 9

1) more difficult to avoid dual relationships in rural communities 2) discuss with client at onset potential issues that could arise (e.g., not talk about issues outside of office, not talk about clients issues with others in the community, if client prefers to pay cash because bank tellers may know client).

Front 10

What is 'bartering' and how should it be handled?

Back 10

Bartering=exchanging services in lieu of paying a fee. Not prohibited by law or ethics codes. Rules to abide by: 1) both parties should come to an agreement about exchange, discuss potential problems and alternatives 2) put a value on both of your services in writing 3) have a written contract in place.

Front 11

Ethical issues involved in giving or receiving gifts.

Back 11

Counselors must take into account a) the impact on the therapeutic relationship b) the monetary value of the gift c) the client's motivation for giving the gift d) the counselor's motivation for wanting or declining the gift e) cultural implications (e.g., some cultures think of small gifts as tokens of respect and gratitude to refuse would be an affront to their culture-may do more harm than good to refuse.

Front 12

Implication of social relationships with clients

Back 12

Safest policy: avoid social relationships with current or former clients. They are not legally nor ethically prohibited after termination of therapy. However, it is therapist's responsibility to evaluate impact. Client may need your therapy services at a later date/crisis.

Front 13

Sexual relationships in therapy-know ACA code A.5.a

Back 13

Code A.5.a: Sexual or romantic counselor-client interactions or relationships with current clients, their romantic partners, or their family members are prohibited. They are illegal.

Front 14

Additional considerations of sexual relationships in therapy

Back 14

1) Landmark study by Pope et al. showed majority of therapists reported some attraction to clients but most never acted on their feelings 2) transient sexual feelings are normal-intense preoccupation is problematic and needs to be addressed in your own therapy 3) sexual misconduct can involve varying degrees-sexual fantasies, behaving seductively, physical contact 4) happens with between mostly older male counselors with younger, female clients, supervisees,and students.

Front 15

Harmful effects to client from sexual inappropriateness in therapy

Back 15

1) distrust of opposite sex 2) distrust of therapists and the therapeutic process 3) guilt 4) depression 5) anger 6) feeling of rejection 7) suicidal ideation 8) low self-esteem.

Front 16

Legal consequences for sexual violators

Back 16

1) lawsuit 2) convicted of felony 3) having license revoked or suspended 4) expelled from professional organizations 5) losing insurance coverage 6) losing job 7) may be required to undergo therapy or be required to obtain supervised practice.

Front 17

Assisting victims of sexual violators

Back 17

California Department of Consumer Affairs requires you, as the new therapist, to give the client the booklet titled "Professional Therapy Never Includes Sex" and document that you gave it.

Front 18

Rules regarding sexual relationships with former clients

Back 18

Most professional organizations prohibit it. However, ACA permits it after 5 years of therapy termination. CAMFT states acceptable after 2 years. However, most professionals against it indefinitely because the therapeutic relationship may never end-client may return for help in future.