Assignment 1: Discussion—Risk of Dual Relationship

Assignment 1: Discussion—Risk of Dual Relationship

Ethics codes refer to dual relationships or multiple relationships as the existence of more than just a professional relationship. Examples would include a sexual relationship between a therapist and client, or a business relationship between a supervisor and student completing a field experience. The harm develops when the person in the position of lesser power in the relationship, the client or student, feels manipulated by the person in the position of greater power—the therapist or the supervisor (Slimp & Burian, 1994).

Transference is natural in the supervisor-supervisee relationship. It occurs when the supervisee reacts to the supervisor as if the supervisor is a parent or a previous authority figure, and so brings baggage from that other relationship into the current one. Countertransference occurs when the supervisor does the same to the supervisee. Being aware of this natural phenomenon can prevent misunderstandings or conflicts as well as minimize the risk of misinterpreting the relationship to be attraction or causing defensiveness and resistance to the supervision (Baird, 2010, p. 89).

Using the module readings and the Argosy University online library resources, research transference and countertransference in therapeutic and supervisory relationships. Select at least two academic resources to support your responses in addition to the ethics codes referenced in this assignment.

Consider the following scenario:

    Ann is a 21-year-old college student who is completing her field experience. She realizes she is developing an emotional attraction to her supervisor at her field experience site. In supervision sessions, she has felt comforted by his wisdom and guidance. At times, she finds herself flirting subtly with him. One evening after work, he asked her to meet him for drinks at a local restaurant and she was excited about it. She accepted his invitation and enjoyed the evening so much that she hoped for an intimate relationship to develop.

Respond to the following:

    Examine the risks involved for Ann if she pursues this relationship.

    Explain the benefits that might encourage her to continue to pursue it, despite the risks.

    Evaluate the nature of transference and countertransference as they relate to the supervisor-supervisee relationship. How do professionals recommend students handle transference so that it does not hinder the quality of their supervision by stirring attraction or defensiveness?

    Identify and describe the specific code(s) that relate to Ann’s situation. Include codes from at least two of the following organizations:

        American Psychological Association

        American Counseling Association

        National Association of Social Workers

Be sure to support your statements with appropriate examples and at least two peer-reviewed, academic sources, in addition to the ethics codes to justify your ideas.