Dual Relationships and Boundary

Management in Social Work Practice

NASW
April 2012

Dual Relationships Defined

Dual or multiple relationships occur when professional assume two or more roles
at the same time or sequentially with a client, such as: assuming more than one
professional role or blending of professional and nonprofessional relationships.

Examples of dual relationships include:

bartering for goods or services;
providing therapy to a relative or friends relative,

socializing with clients,

becoming emotionally or sexually involved with a client or former client, or

combining roles of supervisor and therapist.

NASW Code of Ethics

Social workers should not engage in dual or multiple relationships with
clients or former clients in which there is a risk of exploitation or potential
harm to the client. In instances when dual or multiple relationships are
unavoidable, social workers should take steps to protect clients and are
responsible for setting clear, appropriate and culturally sensitive boundaries.
(1.06)
Social workers should under no circumstances engage in sexual activities or
sexual contact with current clients, whether such contact is consensual or
forced. (1.09)
Social workers should not engage in sexual activities or sexual contact with
former clients because of the potential for harm to the client. If social
workers engage in conduct contrary to this prohibition or claim that an
exception to this prohibition is warranted due to extraordinary
circumstances, it is social workersnot their clientswho assume the full
burden of demonstrating that the former client has not been exploited,
coerced, or manipulated, intentionally or unintentionally. (1.09)

Boundary Crossing
Gutheil and Gabbard (1993) distinguish between
boundary crossings and boundary violations.
A boundary crossing occurs when a social worker is
involved in a dual relationship with a client or
colleague that is not intentionally exploitive,
manipulative, deceptive, or coercive.
Are not inherently unethical, such as when a worker
shares personal information to help clients work
through their own issues.

Boundary violation
A boundary violation occurs when a social worker
engages in a dual relationship with a client or
colleague that is exploitive, manipulative,
deceptive, or coercive.
A key feature is a conflict of interest that harms
clients or colleagues

Categories of violations
Intimate relationships

Sexual relationships

Personal benefits

Monetary gain

Physical contact

Goods and services

Emotional/dependency needs

Promoting client dependence

Reversing roles
Altruistic gestures

Performing favors
Giving gifts

Unanticipated circumstances

Social and community events

Mutual acquaintances

When dual relationships are

unethical?
Interfere with the social workers exercise of professional discretion
Interfere with the social workers exercise of impartial judgment
Exploit client, colleagues, or third parties to further the social
workers personal interests
Harm clients, colleagues, or third parties

Corey & Herlihy, 1997; Epstein, 1994; NASW, 2000; Reamer, 1998/2001

Client or former client?

Literature suggests three possible positions regarding the definition
of former client, largely within the context of sexual behavior:
1. There is no such thing as ex-clientonce a client, always a
client.
2. A specified time period after termination of services defines a
transition from client to ex-client.
3. A client ceases to be a client at the point of termination of
services.
Reamer, 1998; Silbertrust, 1993; Sloan, Edmond, Rubin, & Doughty,
1998

Social workers definitions of exclient

Study published in Social Work in 2002 showed a distinct difference
between public-sector and private sector social workers in
defining the point at which a client becomes and ex-client:
Public sector = upon termination of services

Private sector = once a client, always a client

May point to differences in approach to working with clients = shortterm vs. long-term

Mattison, Srinika, & Craxton, 2002

Do you agree?
Dual relationships are inherent in the work of all helping
professionals, regardless of work setting or client
population.
Despite certain clinical, ethical, and legal risks, some
blending of roles is unavoidable, and it is not
necessarily unethical or unprofessional.

Are they harmful?

St. Germaine (1993) maintains that although dual
relationships are not always harmful to clients, it is
essential for professionals to recognize the potential for
harm associated with any kind of blending of roles.
Kitchener and Harding (1990) contend that dual
relationships range from those that are potentially
seriously harmful to those that have little potential for
harm.

Do you agree?
Consistent yet flexible boundaries are often
therapeutic and can help clients develop trust in the
social work relationship.

Minimizing risks
Within the last 10 years the trend in state licensure
boards has been to prohibit all dual relationships,
including nonsexual dual relationships (OLaughlin,
2001).

Even more disturbing than the absolute ban on dual

relationships with current clients is the ban on social,
business, or financial relationships until 24 months has
passed since the last professional contact.

Measures to minimize risks

Herlihy and Corey (1997) and St. Germaine (1993) identify the following measures
aimed at minimizing the risks inherent in dual or multiple relationships:
Maintain healthy boundaries from the start.
Secure the informed consent of clients and discuss with them both the potential
risks and benefits of dual relationships or any kind of blending off roles.
Remain willing to talk with clients about any potential problems and conflicts that
might arise.

Consult with other professional to resolve any dilemmas.

Seek supervision when dual relationships become particularly problematic or
when the risk for harm is high.
Document any dual relationships in clinical case notes.
When necessary, refer clients to another professional.