L6A35

Name

Course

Institution

Date

The Problem or Dilemma

Jane, a good friend of mine had a male client who was struggling with issues of addiction. After interacting for a certain period of time and knowing each other more during the client’s sessions, the client started making sexual advances towards Jane. He could sometimes start confessing to Jane how he had fallen in love with her. After sometime, Jane found herself believing the client and developing some feelings towards him. This was a difficult situation for Jane as she didn’t know how to handle it considering that her professional values forbid sexual relationships between human service professionals and their clients.

Potential Issues

Dual relationships between human service providers and their clients outside the professional context are prohibited. Standard 6 of the National Organization of Human Services (2015) outlines that “Sexual or romantic relationships with current clients are prohibited. Before engaging in sexual or romantic relationships with former clients, friends, or family members of former clients, human service professionals carefully evaluate potential exploitation or harm and refrain from entering into such a relationship”. The relationship may harm the client or lead to the professional practicing ineffectively.

Ethical Code Sections

NASW strictly forbids any extra relationships between service providers and clients that are outside the human service practice context. The NASW even extends its restrictions to the friends and relatives of the client. “Social workers should not engage in sexual activities or sexual contact with clients' relatives or other individuals with whom clients maintain a close personal relationship when there is a risk of exploitation or potential harm to the client” (NASW,2021). It is the role of the human service professional to set clear boundaries that are culturally sensitive.

Laws or Regulations

There are states that have passed legislations criminalizing sexual contact between professional service providers and their clients citing that it is against the law. According to Morgan (2013), sexual relationships with clients are considered as felony offenses considering that most clients who seek services are emotionally vulnerable and dependent. An example is New York which passed such a legislation in 2013. Other states include Minnesota, Florida, and California.

Guidance by A Supervisor

Any consultant is likely to stand strong that the relationship is prohibited. Therefore, Jane will be advised that as far as the feeling of love may be difficult to avoid, she has to make a decision on the most ethical and professional way to handle his client. Jane has to revisit the professional code of ethics and practice standards to ensure she acts effectively.

Possible Decisions, Paths, and Outcomes

-Decision 1: Jane can assume her feelings and set clear boundaries with the client. This will see her act professionally and continue practicing as a human service provider.

-Decision 2: Jane can be open to the client and tell him that she has feelings for her too but they cannot be in a relationship because her profession forbids that. This may make it difficult for Jane and the client to maintain a professional relationship.

-Decision 3: Jane can give in to her feelings and get into a relationship with the client. But this may lead to her losing her professional practicing license.

Best Outcome

The best action for Jane that will lead to the best outcome is to be professionally responsible and set clear boundaries with the client. It is the role of Jane to provide service to clients and ensure professional principles and standards are upheld. Falling in love with a client indicates a lack of professional responsibility by Jane. Therefore, decision one is the best outcome.

References

Morgan., S. (2013). Criminalization of Psychotherapist Sexual Misconduct. National Association of Social Workers.