PROFESSIONALISM AND LEGAL ISSUES IN COUNSELLING
Ethical dilemmas
From the case study, Mutua is facing a relationship dilemma with his client, Nafula. Her
husband’s death left her divested and vulnerable to her counsellor. Romantic relationships
between clients and counsellors is an ethical dilemma faced by many counsellors. More
experienced counselors are not immune either. An experienced counselor whose boundaries are a
little looser may find it easier to level out the status between counselor and client, making it
easier to ignore the power differential between them and see the relationship as a conventional
romantic relationship. Once the romantic relationship begins to dissolve, it is much more
difficult to reassert boundaries and change the nature of the relationship back to that of a
professional relationship. The filing of ethics complaints often happens during or right after this
period of the relationship dissolving.
On the other hand, counsellors too can be attracted to their clients. Sexually attraction between a
counselor and a client could be instant, or it might grow over time. Perhaps a need is being filled
for the counselor of which he or she was previously unaware: a need to be heard, a need to feel
appreciated, a need to feel wanted, a need to be touched, or a need to feel connected and no
longer lonely. Situational factors or life crises (e.g., relationship problems, divorce, illness, death
of a loved one, financial problems), coupled with professional isolation, can lead to counselors
attempting to get their needs met within the counseling relationship. Difficult prior relationships
and ineffective management of one’s own mental health problems or substance abuse can also
contribute to a reduced ability to manage boundaries. Awareness of these types of vulnerabilities
is key in ensuring that counselors get their needs met appropriately outside of the counseling
room.
Preventing romantic relationships
Mutua should always practice professionalism every time with a client. He should make it clear
