Multiple Relationships: Perspectives from Training Family Therapists and Clients

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to bring greater clarity to the ethicality of therapist-client multiple relationships and the implications of these relationships on the therapeutic process. A phenomenological methodology guided the study and was used to structure co-research interviews between marriage and family therapy trainees from a COAMFTE program and their clients (N = 12). Interviews were centered on Subprinciple 1.3 (multiple relationships) of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Code of Ethics.Three themes related to the establishment of multiple relationships emerged from the data: (1) Situational, (2) Impact on Therapy, and (3) Open Sharing. The limitations of the study and the implications of the findings are presented.