Dual Relationship
Dual Relationship
A dual relationship occurs when a counselor and client share another relationship outside of counseling — such as being friends or business partners — at the same time. This situation should be avoided to protect the objectivity of counseling and the well-being of the client.
Details
What Is a Dual Relationship?
A dual relationship occurs when a counselor simultaneously maintains another type of relationship with a client — personal, business, educational, or otherwise — in addition to the therapeutic relationship. Such relationships can blur the objectivity of counseling and cause harm to the client, which is why they are strictly limited under psychological ethics codes.
What Types Are There?
Why Is It a Problem?
In a counseling relationship, the counselor holds more information and influence than the client. When a dual relationship forms, this power imbalance extends into other areas of life, creating a risk that the client may be disadvantaged or exploited. It can also cloud the counselor's objective judgment.
Practical Considerations
In small communities, it can sometimes be difficult to completely avoid dual relationships. In such cases, it is advisable for the counselor to openly discuss the potential risks with the client and, if necessary, refer them to another counselor. If you ever feel uncomfortable in a counseling relationship, please be sure to bring it up with Mindy.
💡 Real-Life Example
A situation where the psychologist providing counseling also happens to be a neighbor living in the same area, leading to frequent encounters in personal, everyday settings.
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This content is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical diagnosis.