Dual Relationships: A Continuum Ranging From the Destructive to the Therapeutic

Abstract

This article is a review of the literature regarding the nature, scope, and complexity of dual relationships, which range from the destructive to the therapeutic. The dynamics, consequences, standards of practice, and ethical dilemmas regarding sexual and nonsexual counselor-client dual relationships are discussed. Common elements of concern pertaining to both types of relationships are identified, and the potential benefits of some forms of nonsexual dual relationships are explored.

Counselor Education Doctoral Students' Experiences With Multiple Roles and Relationships

“…Dual relationships have been a controversial ethical issue in the mental health professions for several decades (Remley & Herlihy, 2014). The term "dual relationship" denotes a secondary relationship that exists between counselor and client in addition to the primary therapeutic relationship (Herlihy & Corey, 2006;Lazarus & Zur, 2002;Moleski & Kiselica, 2005). Jensen defined a dual relationship as "a separate and distinct relationship that occurs between the therapist and a patient, or a patient's spouse, partner, or family member, either simultaneously with the therapeutic relationship, or during a reasonable period of time following the termination of the therapeutic relationship" (as cited in Herlihy & Corey, 2006, p. 17).…”

“…Dual relationships became more widespread in the United States during the 1950s "sexual revolution," an era when counselors commonly participated in sexual relationships and friendships with their clients without much thought given to the potential repercussions (Lazurus & Zur, 2002). As ethics boards started receiving increased complaints from practitioners and clients regarding boundary problems resulting from dual relationships, a sharper look was taken at the harmful effects of counselor-client dual relationships Herlihy & Corey, 2006;Lazarus & Zur, 2002;Moleski & Kiselica, 2005). Initially, the increase in awareness of dual relationships focused only on the negative aspects, with several practitioners advocating for the prohibition of all dual relationships Kitchener, 1988;Lazarus & Zur, 2002;Moleski & Kiselica, 2005).…”

“…As ethics boards started receiving increased complaints from practitioners and clients regarding boundary problems resulting from dual relationships, a sharper look was taken at the harmful effects of counselor-client dual relationships Herlihy & Corey, 2006;Lazarus & Zur, 2002;Moleski & Kiselica, 2005). Initially, the increase in awareness of dual relationships focused only on the negative aspects, with several practitioners advocating for the prohibition of all dual relationships Kitchener, 1988;Lazarus & Zur, 2002;Moleski & Kiselica, 2005). Practitioners later realized that simply prohibiting dual relationships with clients does not provide assistance with how to identify the potential development of dual relationships, as well as how to generally navigate interactions with clients that occur outside of the counseling session (Pope & KeithSpiegel, 2008).…”

“…Types of dual relationships between counselors and clients are known to include friendships, and romantic and/or sexual, business, financial, social, and familial relationships (Herlihy & Corey, 2006;Moleski & Kiselica, 2005). Dual relationships are usually categorized into one of three types of relationships: nonprofessional relationships, sexual/romantic relationships, and professional role change (Kaplan, et al, 2009;Moleski & Kiselica, 2005).…”

“…Dual relationships are usually categorized into one of three types of relationships: nonprofessional relationships, sexual/romantic relationships, and professional role change (Kaplan, et al, 2009;Moleski & Kiselica, 2005).…”