Boundaries, multiple relationships, gifts, and ending the relationship

AI-narrated overview made with Google NotebookLM. The written lesson below is by Dr. Andrew Wichterman.

Where the counseling relationship stops and another relationship begins is a recurring exam theme. The Code dropped the language of dual relationships in 2005 and, since 2014, frames the issue as extending counseling boundaries; items reflect that.

Sexual and romantic relationships

Sexual or romantic relationships with current clients, their romantic partners or their family members are prohibited. With former clients, the prohibition lasts five years after the last professional contact, and even then the counselor must document in advance that the relationship is not exploitative and would not harm the former client. Counselors also may not accept as clients people with whom they have had a prior sexual or romantic relationship.

Nonprofessional interactions and extending boundaries

The Code discourages nonprofessional relationships with clients, former clients and their families except when the interaction is potentially beneficial. Examples the Code gives: attending a formal ceremony such as a wedding or graduation, purchasing a service the client provides, visiting an ill family member, or mutual membership in a professional association. When a counselor extends boundaries in this way, they must document the rationale, the potential benefit and anticipated consequences beforehand, and take precautions if harm results.

The exam term for an unavoidable overlap, such as in a small rural community, is a multiple relationship. The standard is not "never" but "manage, document and do not exploit."

Gifts and bartering

Counselors may accept a small gift when it is culturally appropriate and the relationship is not exploited; they consider the therapeutic relationship, the gift's value, the client's motivation and their own. Bartering is permitted only if the client requests it, it is not exploitative or harmful, it is an accepted practice in the community, and the arrangement is in a written contract.

Termination and abandonment

Counselors end services when it is reasonably clear the client no longer needs assistance, is not benefiting, or is being harmed. Counselors may terminate when they are in danger from the client or when fees are unpaid as agreed. Abandonment, ending services without adequate notice or referral, is prohibited. Before termination the counselor provides pretermination counseling and appropriate referrals. When the counselor leaves a practice or becomes incapacitated, a transfer plan must already be in place.

Fees, advertising and credentials

Fees are set considering the client's financial status and locality; a referral to comparable affordable services is offered when the fee is unaffordable. Counselors may not accept referral fees, nor recruit private clients from their place of employment. Advertising must be accurate; counselors claim only the degrees and credentials they hold, and a doctorate in an unrelated field may not be implied to be a counseling credential.