Problem:
As a student, how will you respond to this classmate below, include in-text citation, references, and questions
The ACA Code of Ethics does not explicitly state what ethical guidelines for a therapist to attend to when a client is involved within their larger workspace in a volunteer capacity. A great example of this that I have seen and been a part of is in the military counseling world. An MFLC or Marriage Family Life Counselor, has a role of treatment to individuals working for the government and to their families. Certain family individuals might also volunteer for the military and designated command involving a dual relationship with events, unit needs, and services. Another example of a dual relationship is a client having a kid that goes to the same school and is in the same class as your own. Even if they don't play/hangout together, you will see each other at school events, activities, and so on.
In deciding to enter or not enter a dual relationship, a therapist should abide by ACA Code A.6.b. (Extending Counselor Boundaries), which states, "Counselors consider the risks and benefits of extending current counseling relationships beyond conventional parameters" (2014). As defined by Corey et al. (2024), "a boundary crossing is a departure from commonly accepted practices that could potentially benefit clients; a boundary violation is a serious breach that results in harm to clients and is therefore unethical... the key is to take measures to prevent boundary crossings from becoming boundary violations" (p. 300). Need Assignment Help?