Dual Relationships

From the perspective of a supervisor, similarly effective methods used to manage potential dual relationships may include carefully considering any potential power dynamics present within their relationship with supervisees; providing ongoing feedback on supervisee’s ability to effectively navigate boundaries within their work; coaching supervisees through difficult situations that could lead to blurred lines between personal and professional connections (McNeely & Townsend, 2013); explicitly introducing policies related to these issues prior to entering into supervisory agreements so that expectations about behavior are made known ahead of time (McMahon & Balkin, 2015); and staying informed about relevant state laws regarding supervision which often set guidelines for avoiding dual relationships (Robiner et al., 2019). Despite some similarities in how providers and supervisors address dual relationship situations - namely utilizing boundary management strategies - there are also key differences. For instance, for providers working directly with clients it is essential that they maintain an atmosphere free from bias or preferential treatment while supervisors typically must remain more objective by maintaining equal standards across all supervised staff members regardless if they have close friendships outside the office (Clements & Gabbard 2000). Additionally, while providers should strive not to become emotionally attached or personally involved with their clients due their role as caregivers who provide necessary therapeutic services, supervisors must actively foster positive interpersonal relations amongst their staff while ensuring appropriate behavioral expectations are met at all times. References Clements C. M., & Gabbard GO. Boundary violations: The duty notto exceed defined limits in psychotherapeutic practice. Psychiatric Clinics Of North America 23(3): 635–656. 2000. doi:10/1016/S0193-953X(05)70220-6 Corey GS., Schneider-Wilson J., Callanan PJ., et al. Issues And Ethics In The Helping Professions 12th Ed.. Belmont CA: Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning 2020 pp 197–199 McNeely RL., Townsend DK Supervising counselors in training: Models for mastery 3rd Ed.. New York NY: Routledge Taylor Francis Group 2013 pp 58–60 McMahon RPF., Balkin RS Practicum And Internship Textbook For Counseling And Psychotherapy 4th Ed.. Thousand Oaks CA.: Sage Publications Inc 2015 pp 178–184 Robiner WN MD PhD MPH MSW SPS ABPP DFAPA FIPA FAACAP FAAFP William N.(2019) Dual Relationships Laws By State [Table]. In Medscape Reference Retrieved April 20 2021 https://emedicine http//emedicine medscape com /article/807531‐overview#a7

Sample Solution

One of the most important aspects to consider when discussing dual relationships from both the perspective of a provider and a supervisor is boundary management. In general, boundary management involves understanding rules and regulations regarding professional conduct which can help reduce or completely avoid potential conflicts of interest that may arise from sometimes difficult to define boundaries between personal and professional relationships (Clements & Gabbard, 2000). From the perspective of a provider, this might include minimizing contact with clients outside of scheduled appointments as well as refraining from socializing with clients; creating clear expectations for communication such as response times; maintaining appropriate physical proximity during sessions; and establishing clear roles in terms of decision-making in order to reduce confusion between client-provider boundaries (Corey et al., 2018).