DUAL RELATIONSHIPS

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DUAL RELATIONSHIPS

• Dual relationships are detrimental to the Human
  Service process because they blur boundaries and
  can lead to

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• Exploitation Clients often perceive Human
  Service professionals possessing an exaggerated
  sense of power and wisdom that, when applied in
  non-Human Service relationships, can be
  accidentally or intentionally manipulative or
  exploitative.
• Loss of Objectivity The non-Human Service role
  often distorts the Human Service relationship
  (Human Service professional-to-client as well as
  client-to-Human Service professional) resulting
  in a loss of needed clinical objectivity.
• Potential for Misunderstanding Clients and
  Human Service professionals when engaged in
  multiple relationships have difficulty containing
  the Human Service experience to the designated
  Human Service time and place. This invites
  misunderstanding and hurt feelings.
• Breach of Confidentiality When there is role
  confusion, it can be difficult for the Human
  Service professional and the client to remember
  what information was gained in the context of a
  Human Service relationship and what in the
  non-Human Service relationship. A real or
  perceived breach of confidence often occurs.

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• 2. Dual relationship issues affect virtually all
  Human Service professionals in all settings.
  Very few professional Human Service professionals
  remain untouched by potential dual role conflicts
  and dilemmas.
• 3. Nearly all ethical codes of conduct caution
  against dual relationships.
• 4. Occasionally a dual relationship is
  unavoidable. However, most dual relationships
  can and should be avoided.

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• 5. Dual relationships are the "royal road" to
  liability problems. Many, many ethical
  licensing complaint and liability issues can be
  traced back to poorly conceived and/or poorly
  managed dual relationships.
• 6. Most dual relationships start out
  well-intended, seeming clear and simple. Over
  time they become increasingly muddy and
  problematic.
• 7. Sexual/Romantic relationships with current
  clients, or terminating Human Service in order to
  initiate a sexual relationship, is unethical and
  illegal in many states. Consequences for such
  behavior can include ethical sanction/expulsion,
  revocation of license, civil suit and even
  criminal prosecution.

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• 8. In determining whether to proceed with a dual
  relationship, consider whether the potential
  benefit of the dual relationship outweighs the
  potential for harm.
• 9. Whenever we are operating in more than one
  role and when there is potential for negative
  consequences, the Standard of Practice will place
  the responsibility for developing safeguards and
  measures to reduce the potential for harm
  squarely on the shoulders of the professional
  Human Service professional.
• 10. Dual role relationships, if they must exist,
  challenge practitioners to closely monitor
  themselves and to examine their motivations for
  engaging in the dual role.

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• 11. When considering becoming involved in a dual
  relationship, it would be wise to seek
  consultation from trusted colleagues or a
  supervisor.
• 12. When presented with a dual relationship
  decision determine if the dual relationship is
  avoidable or unavoidable assess the potential
  benefits and risks of initiating a secondary
  relationship and discuss the issue with a trusted
  colleague for their objective perception. If the
  dual relationship is avoidable or the risks
  associated with the dual relationship outweigh
  the benefits, decline the secondary non-Human
  Service relationship or refer the person
  requesting the Human Service worker (friend or
  social or work acquaintance) to another Human
  Service professional. If the secondary
  relationship (Human Service or non-Human Service
  worker) is initiated, fully explain to the client
  the potential difficulties and risks associated
  with dual relationships, carefully define the
  boundaries of both relationships, record the
  substance of this discussion in the clinical
  record, secure a written consent for treatment
  that acknowledges the dual relationship, and
  obtain on-going supervision.

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TYPES OF DUAL RELATIONSHIPS
Primary dual relationship
YOUR FAMILY MEMBER YOUR ROMANTIC/SEXUAL PARTNER YOUR FRIEND Your business/professional

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Secondary dual relationship
YOUR FAMILY Member's YOUR ROMANTIC/SEXUAL Partner's YOUR Friend's Your business/professionals
Friend Lover Business/professional Friend Other lover Family Business/professional Friend lover Family Other friend Business/profesional Friend lover Family Other friend Business/profesional
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Tertiary dual relationship
YOUR FAMILY Member's YOUR ROMANTIC/SEXUAL Partner's YOUR Friend's co-workers Your co-workers Family
Friend Lover Business/professional Friend Other lover Family Business/professional Friend lover Family Friend lover Other friend Co-worker


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• 'Business Other Professional Co-worker,
  teacher, student, intern, supervises, contractor,
  accountant, business partner, doctor, etc.