California Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) Law and Ethics exam

How should a therapist handle a situation where they have a dual relationship with a client?

1. Disclose the dual relationship to the client and seek their approval

2. Break all ties with the client to avoid conflicts

3. Maintain the professional relationship and ignore the dual aspects

4. Seek supervision to navigate the dual relationship effectively

The correct answer is: Seek supervision to navigate the dual relationship effectively

In situations where a therapist has a dual relationship with a client, seeking supervision is essential for effective navigation of the complexities involved. Dual relationships can arise when a therapist has multiple roles or connections with their client outside of the professional context, which can complicate the therapeutic relationship and potentially lead to ethical challenges and conflicts of interest. By seeking supervision, the therapist can gain insights and guidance from a qualified supervisor who is experienced in handling similar scenarios. This step ensures that the therapist remains accountable and can explore the impact of the dual relationship on the client's treatment and well-being. It allows them to address any ethical concerns thoughtfully, while also maintaining the integrity of the therapeutic process. While disclosing the dual relationship and asking for approval may seem like a step toward transparency, it does not address the inherent risks that come with a dual relationship. Breaking all ties might overly sever useful connections and may not always be feasible or beneficial for the client. Maintaining the professional relationship while ignoring the dual aspects can lead to unethical practices and harm the therapeutic alliance. Therefore, seeking supervision is both a responsible and ethical approach to ensure that the therapist can manage the situation with professionalism and care.