Introduction
A dual relationship is a case whereby there are multiple roles between the therapist and a client (Zur, 2015). It includes non-professional associations including intimacy, business, and family relationships.
The purpose of this essay is to evaluate different scenarios and determine the ones that indicate a dual relationship. Also, it will examine how the human service professionals should handle and prevent a dual relationship from occurring.
Cases scenarios that constitutes a dual relationship
The following situations represent different types of dual relationships. Shantell and Fred are in a sexual dual relationship since they are dating. Tim and Steve work out together, so they have a dual relationship. Brenda and Liz engage in social activities; thus, they are in a social dual relationship. John and Scott are friends and neighbors, so they are in a dual relationship. Natalie and Destiny are cousins, and they also attend family gatherings together. Juan and Valerie go to the same church; hence, they are in a communal dual relationship.
One scenario that portrays a dual relationship
The case of Shantell and Fred is a good example of a dual relationship. Both the human service professional and patient have an intimate relation. According to the scenario, Fred and Shantell are dating secretly. Hence, they are in a sexual relationship.
Shantell should stop dating Fred and concentrate on the physiotherapy. However, Shantell should do that in an ethical manner to avoid exaggerating the physiological condition of Fred. A good approach would be a discussion between both parties about the disadvantages of their side relationship. Shantell can rely on the illustration of Freud and Krug to terminate the non-professional relationship. According to Freud and Krug (2002), a dual relationship goes against physician’s code of ethics regardless of how or where it develops. The two authors agree that these types of relations may impact the therapy process negatively. They insist that a clear boundary should exist between the therapist and patient.
Freud and Krug (2002), highlights three reasons why non-professional relationships should be discouraged between the patient and their physician. First, there is the need to protect the therapeutic processes. A professional relationship allows the physician to offer their best since there are no other transactions. Second, the client is protected from exploitations. Ideally, patients are very vulnerable so they should not be exposed to any exploitation. Third, the therapist should protect him/herself from liability. In case there is a non-professional relationship between the therapist and patient, the therapist may be held liable of misfortunes that befall the patient.
Gottlieb (1993) proposes a model that therapist can use to decide whether they should or should not engage in a dual relationship. According to his model, social workers should examine the prevailing situation, perform consultations, and discuss their decision with the patient. Shantell can still adopt this model to determine if she will stop or continue dating Fred.
Additionally, Shantell can advise Fred to seek therapeutic services from a different therapist. That way, the dual relationship between Fred and Shantell will end. After that, the two can decide whether to continue dating or not.
Scenarios that do not represent dual relationship
The cases that do not involve dual relationships include. Martin and Brian are not in a direct connection. Lindsey and Edward are not in a dual relationship since they only see each other at the dentists place. James and Bill do not relate since they just meet at a shopping mall. Also, Jane and Julia do not have a side relationship because Jane only plays with Julia’s mother.
One case that does not involve dual relationship
The scenario of Jane and Julia is not a dual relationship. Importantly, Jane only plays tennis with Julia’s mother. In this case, Jane and Julia do not have any other direct relationship apart for their professional association. Also, the scenario eliminates Julia from the second relationship. However, there are possibilities that a dual relationship can occur. Julia’s mother can initiate a relationship between Julia and Jane. In that case, a dual relationship would develop between Julia and Jane.
Jane should first analyze the consequences of a dual relationship that would occur in this case. At times, a dual relationship can be an advantage to the client. Ringstad (2008) argues that “boundary crossing” may be helpful to the patient if it is not exploitive. If the relationship is of advantage to Julia, Jane as a human service professional should not stop it. However, she does not encourage the development of the relationship. Importantly, Jane should let the non-professional relationship develop at its convenience.
Nevertheless, some dual relationships harm the client. Such relations include the ones involving sexual exploitation and other types of exploitations. Jane should not let an exploitive dual relationship develop between her and Julia. Jane can talk to Julia directly and caution her on developing a non-professional relationship that is not helpful.
Conclusion
A dual relationship can either be right or wrong. A non-professional relation that does not have possibilities of harming or exploiting the client may be useful. Conversely, a dual relationship that aims at harming the client in any way including sexually is not desirable.
References
Freud, S., & Krug, S. (2002). Beyond the code of ethics, part II: Dual relationships revisited. Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services, 83(5), 483-492.
Gottlieb, M. C. (1993). Avoiding exploitive dual relationships: a decision-making model. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 30(1), 41-48
Ringstad, R. (2008). The ethics of dual relationships: Beliefs and behaviors of clinical practitioners. Families in Society, 89(1), 69-77.
Zur, O. (2015). Dual Relationships, Multiple Relationships & Boundaries In Psychotherapy, Counseling & Mental Health Retrieved 2nd /June/2016 from <http://www.zurinstitute.com/dualrelationships.html.>
