Ethics and Boundary Issues: Multiple Relationships

Description:  This study discusses the ethical dilemma of multiple relationships. This issue continues to hold the attention of ethics commissions across all the major counseling disciplines. This study will investigate some issues of multiple relationships as they may present in counseling practice. Positions with respect to multiple relationships have shifted over the recent decade with the professions taking the time to consider the complex realities of the professional in the context of their community. This study is inclusive of the five major professions; psychology, social work, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy and addictions professionals and will acquaint the reader with the current guidelines.

The course will discuss the challenges and opportunities within the context of non-sexual multiple relationships. Please note that the term dual relationship is used interchangeably with the term multiple relationships as the various disciplines use one or the other and are essentially the same. The topic of multiple relationships is a broad one certainly greater than the scope of this study. We have chosen to concentrate on the area of non-sexual multiple relationships and rather than discuss various specific multiple relationships we will explore the dynamic quality of boundaries as they relate to professional practice.

Learners will obtain an enhanced understanding of the line between crossing a boundary and violating a boundary. This general understanding will best serve practitioners when examining specific situations.

CE Credits:  3

CE Broker#:  OL 20-211247

Methods:   Pre-test, study guide, posttest and evaluation, internet sources via URLs, Q&A by email.

Content Areas:   Ethics, Confidentiality, Practice readiness, Risk management, Legal and regulatory.

Purpose:   The purpose of this study is to equip practitioners to examine multiple relationships to reduce the incidence of harm in clinical practice.

Target Audience:  Social workers, marriage and family therapists, licensed professional counselors, mental health counselors, nurses, employee assistance professionals, addiction professionals, behavioral health technicians, and other allied professionals who may work with these populations.