Dual Relationships in Counseling

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer discusses the dangers of dual relationships within the mental health field. The writer maintains that counselors and therapists should avoid establishing or allowing the establishment of dual relationships within the context of their professional capacity. The writer concludes that this is not only an ethical imperative with respect to the client/patient continuum but also extends to dual relationships among patients in group therapy settings as well as relationships between coworkers and colleagues.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Dual Relationships in Group Therapy
The Counselor/Client Continuum
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Clearly, these negative developments that arise due to the existence or the establishment of dual relationships can have a very real and a potentially very harmful impact on the counseling process within the group therapy setting. Yet, all of these negative attributes can just as easily develop within the dual relationship context in the single-patient counseling environment or in the back office relationships that arise within the clinic or treatment facility setting. In all instances, the effectiveness and the objective of the counseling process is undermined and made almost irrelevant due to the dual relationships allowed to develop."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Mattison D., Jayaratne J. & Croxton T. (2002). Client or Former Client? Implications of Ex-Client Definition on Social Work Practice. Social Work, 47/1, p.55.
• Pepper, R. (2007). Too Close for Comfort: The Impact of Dual Relationships on Group Therapy and Group Therapy Training. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 57/1, p.13.

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• Analytical Essay # 125424 : "Ethics of Dual Relationships"

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