Many Social Workers and counselors work in this field because they want to help their clients work through their problems while connecting them to resources that will enable them to manage their lives. They come to us because of our ability to demonstrate empathy, compassion, nonjudgmental behavior, trustworthiness, clinical skills, and knowledge. Our clients share the most intimate and personal aspects of their lives and problems that in many cases lead them to our field of help. When working with clients, social workers and counselors must maintain clear boundaries to assure professional integrity and responsibility. It is necessary to avoid dual relationships and be aware of exceptions to these types of relationships and how to handle them in the workplace. We must not violate their trust or do harm during or after the therapeutic relationship ends.

Learning Objectives:

• To define and cite examples of ethical boundaries and dual relationships.

• An…