Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) Law and Ethics Practice Exam

What is a dual relationship in therapy?

1. Having a professional relationship only

2. Offering therapy in a group setting

3. Having another role with a client outside of therapy

4. Being friends with clients after therapy ends

The correct answer is: Having another role with a client outside of therapy

A dual relationship in therapy refers to a situation where a therapist has a secondary relationship with a client outside of the therapeutic context. This can involve various roles such as being a friend, a business associate, or having some other form of social or familial connection that exists alongside the professional relationship. Such dual relationships can create potential conflicts of interest, ethical dilemmas, and can impact the objectivity of the therapist, as well as the effectiveness of the therapy. In therapy, maintaining clear boundaries is essential for ensuring that the client's best interests are prioritized and that the therapeutic process is not compromised. Engaging in dual relationships can make it difficult for clients to fully disclose personal information, leading to issues with trust and communication. While having a professional relationship only, offering therapy in a group setting, or maintaining a friendship after therapy ends may involve interactions with clients, these scenarios do not encapsulate the complexities and risks associated with overlapping roles that define a dual relationship in therapy.