Examining the Ethical Issue of Dual. Relationships in Group Counseling. Dana Flanigan. St. Bonaventure University

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1 Ethical Issue of Dual Relationships 1 Running head: ETHICAL ISSUE OF DUAL RELATIONSHIPS Examining the Ethical Issue of Dual Relationships in Group Counseling Dana Flanigan St. Bonaventure University

2 Ethical Issue of Dual Relationships 2 What does it mean to have ethical integrity? In the counseling profession, sustaining competence for the ACA code of ethics is required. The American Counseling Association designed these ethical codes for several significant reasons, which includes: adequate regulations to protect all that are either directly or indirectly served by a counselor; adequate guidelines for professionals as they serve all types of clients; adequate goals to promote continual advancement for the profession (Ponton, & Duba, 2009). To properly understand the complexities of these codes, it is imperative that one be dissected; to tender a sufficient illustration of the parameters within the ACA code of ethics. The ethical issue that will be examined is the section of codes that deal with dual relationships. To gain ethical competence for this section, there are several steps that will need to be conducted in the examination. First, an analysis of what is specifically in the ACA code of ethics in regards to dual relationships. Second, to obtain some personal insight from a member of the ACA as to the significance of the codes related to dual relationships. Finally, to provide facts and real life examples of how dual relationships have affected the counseling profession. In the section of the ACA code of ethics entitled A.5. Roles and Relationships With Clients, it contains several codes that provide a detailed design of how the counselor is to behave in terms of dual relationships. In essence, a counselor is prohibited from engaging in any kind of sexual relationship with one of their clients. The counselor is also prohibited from engaging in any form of sexual relationship or interaction with the romantic partners as well as the families of any client being served. Currently, the only way a counselor is permitted to engage in a sexual relationship with a client is five years after the final professional contact. Also, the counselor must document in written form that this relationship is in no way exploitive and will in no way pose any harm to the former client.

3 Ethical Issue of Dual Relationships 3 The first half of section A.5. is black and white with no shades of gray. The message is clear that the counselor is not to have sexual relations with their clients. However, in the portion of the section that refers to nonsexual relationships; the guidelines become a little more open to interpretation. In section A.5.c., the nonprofessional and nonsexual situations are explained. In the parts that referred to sexual relationships, it was clearly stated that they were prohibited. On the other hand, in this section it stated that nonprofessional relationships with clients and their romantic partners and their families should be avoided. Then it goes on to state that it is acceptable when the interaction potentially beneficial to the client. So does that mean if a counselor has a client that does not have a father figure, they should step in and take the kid fishing? The situation is given some clarity in section A.5.d. In this section, the parameters are set for what steps will needed to be taken by the counselor prior to any sort of interaction. First, the counselor must document the in case records prior to the interaction as well as the rationale for the interaction. Second, the counselor must document the potential benefits and consequences of what an interaction with a client, former client, or people closely tied to them could cause. Third, the counselor would need to obtain the proper consent from the client. Forth, if the interaction does cause harm the counselor must provide evidence that they attempted to remedy the harm. Finally, examples are provided for possible situations that the interaction could be positive which includes; ceremonies such as weddings or graduations, hospital visits to an ill family member, or perhaps mutual membership in a professional association or organization. However, the options are not limited to these examples which still leave it in gray shady area. To attain more sufficient clarification, it is imperative that the information is obtained from a source close to the topic in question.

4 Ethical Issue of Dual Relationships 4 In an interview conducted by David Kaplan who is the ACA chief professional officer, he discussed many of the issues in the code of ethics. More specifically, David requested specifics in regards to dual relationships. David interviewed two members of the ACA ethical code revision task force, Rocco Cottone and Michael Kocet. The first issue that David raised was in regards to the term dual relationships being taken completely out of the code of ethics. Each member of the revision task force provided similar responses. Both felt that due to the change in the professional culture, the term has become inadequate in encompassing all that is involved with the term. The response of Rocco and Michael allowed for David to transition into a question about clients and counselors being able to interact outside of a counseling session. Both Rocco and Michael went into greater depth with this question; however the essence was quite simple. Basically if the interaction is beneficial to the client, then it is acceptable. However, the proper documentation is imperative. They did stress that this interaction is to be in no way romantic or sexual. So if a client tells their counselor that they are so lonely and need to have sex to feel better; the counselor cannot respond by offering themselves as a therapeutic method. In essence, the change in this revision was meant to change the concept of banning all dual relationships to evaluating beneficial versus harmful interactions (Kaplan et al., 2009). In order to understand the reasons for these revisions, an assessment needs to be conducted of some real life instances of dual relationships. Many dual relationships occur because of conscious choice made by the client, counselor, and both. However, many times a dual relationship occurs just by chance (Moleski, & Kiselica, 2005). Pope and Vetter (1992) displayed an example of an innocent meeting outside the realm of a counseling session. A therapist was filing a complaint against a few noisy neighbors from one of the nearby houses. It turned out that the owner-landlord of the home was one of his patients (Pope, & Vetter).

5 Ethical Issue of Dual Relationships 5 Another quality example has given about a counselor who had a client of three years. It was at this point when his client began to date his best friend. This ordeal was very complicated for the counselor and many significant choices had to be made (Pope, & Vetter). It is inevitable that a counselor cannot avoid running into a client in the process of life. It is for this reason that the revisions made to the ethical code so significant. To become ethically competent in the profession of counseling; several keys steps need to be conducted. First, an understanding of the changes that have been made to the ethical codes as it has evolved through time must be completed. Second, insight must be gained from people in the profession who are trained to provide substantial details about all facets of the content. Finally, examples of these circumstances must be located to be able to personalize with the knowledge obtained through the other two steps. All aspects of the ACA code of ethics are complicating with many situational parameters. Even in the case of a concept like dual relationships; something that once seemed self explanatory and straightforward has now become complicated and a significant issue in all realms of professional counseling.

6 Ethical Issue of Dual Relationships 6 References American Counseling Association. (2005). ACA code of ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author Kaplan, D. M., Kocet, M. M., Cottone, R. R., Glosoff, H. L., Miranti, J. G., Moll, C. E., Bloom, J. W., Bringaze, T. B., Herlihy, B., Lee, C. C., & Tarvydas, V. M. (2009). New Mandates and Imperatives in the Revised ACA Code of Ethics. Journal of Counseling & Development, 87, Moleski, S. M., & Kiselica, M. S. (2005). Dual Relationships: A Continuum Ranging From the Destructive to the Therapeutic. Journal of Counseling & Development, 83, Ponton, R. F., & Duba, J. D. (2009). The ACA Code of Ethics: Articulating counseling's professional covenant. Journal of Counseling & Development, 87, Pope, K. S., & Vetter, V. A. (1992). Ethical dilemmas encountered by members of the American Psychological Association: A national survey. American Psychologist, 47,