Dangers of Dual Relationships in Therapy

Dangers of Dual Relationships in TherapyOften, people who sample the help of a therapist atomic number 18 vulnerable in a chassis of ways, and the unique kin of leaf node and therapist is built on a great deal of imprecate and openness where a number of issues argon exposed. This situation put forward often leave a long-suffering or node feeling more vulnerable than ever before, and impression, anxiety, and opposite mental wellness concerns can easily cloud a clients judgment. Because the client-therapist kin is a relationship of ply, it is more important than ever that therapists do non give into seduction or intimate attraction that may embody for a client, and that sexual relationships with clients and patients not be every(prenominal)owed to develop.Although some studies have been make on the existence of client therapist sexual relationships, it is evident that galore(postnominal) of the results of these surveys are unreliable due to the nature of the situatio n. Even when confidentiality is assured, many therapists are fearful of the repercussions of being exposed and are reluctant to divulge much(prenominal) information. Still, these studies confirm that sexual relationships still often do occur in the midst of therapists and clients, more frequently in male practicians than females. Furthermore, these studies have also revealed that these kinds of relationships can be further detrimental to clients and patients who seek the help of professional therapists. knowledgeable relationships between counselors and clients has existed probably since the beginning of time, being noted as far-off back as the fifth century B.C., when the Hippocratic Oath originated, stating, In every house where I come, I will enter all for the good of my patients, keeping myself far from all intentional ill-doing and all seduction, and in particular from the pleasures of love with women and men.However, recent studies and even court cases have confirmed that this phenomenon continues and in many cases, is further detrimental to the mental health of the clients who enter into these types of relationships. For clients who are dealing with issues related to domestic violence, abuse, rape, or incest, the abuse of trust and power that occurs with sexual client-therapist relationships can increase feelings of trauma and psychological di test, often triggering symptoms of post-traumatic stress dis place. Even in clients who are not dealing with these kinds of issues, increased depression and anxiety can occur, and a patient who has been involved in a sexual relationship with a therapist is often more likely to attempt suicide and further resistant to additional treatment.Also, studies have revealed that sexual relationships between therapists and patients are frequently associated with cognitive dysfunction, feelings of emptiness and isolation, an impaired talent to trust, increased feelings of guilt, confusion regarding boundaries, and sup pression of anger. Although these types of symptoms are not noted in every client who has been involved in a sexual relationship with a therapist, many of these symptoms were seen as common in clients who had engaged in this type of relationship. In short, therapy is the most successful when boundaries and trust of the client are not violated and a professional relationship is maintained, and in well-nigh every jurisdiction, it is the responsibility of the therapist to maintain this professional relationship.In fact, the sub judice consequences for therapists who do enter into a sexual relationship with a client can be severe in many states. In order for therapists and other mental health professionals to maintain their professional licenses, most states not entirely mandate that there be no sexual relationships with clients, except also that there is no sexual relationship with a former(prenominal) client as well. While in some states the requirement is that the client has not been a patient for at least two years, in others the guidelines stipulate at least five years. In addition, the mental health professional may be obligated to prove that the relationship is not exploitative in nature and that the client is fully capable of fashioning their own decisions regarding the relationship.For therapists and mental health professionals who do engage in a sexual relationship with a client, the penalties can be severe. Not only can a therapist lose their professional license for such(prenominal) acts if the relationship is discovered, but they can also be sued for malpractice and violation of trust in many instances. Maintaining a professional relationship at all times is not only in the best interest of the client and their mental well-being, but also in the best interest of the practitioner and their professional reputation.