Ethics Chapter 7: Managing Boundaries and Multiple Relationships

When sex is involved in a therapeutic relationship, the client may experience: a. All of the other choices are correct b. stronger distrust and fear c. suicidal tendencies d. feelings of shame and guilt e. posttraumatic stress disorder

A. All of the other choices are correct

Which of the following statements regarding the use of therapist self-disclosure is FALSE? a. Factors such as the client's culture, history, and presenting problem are relatively unimportant in determining how much a therapist should self-disclose in sessions b. It is critical that therapists understand their motivations for sharing personal experiences or reactions to what is going on in a session c. Therapist self-disclosure is a common type of boundary crossing d. Many theoretical models encourage appropriate and timely disclosure on the therapist's part, but such self-disclosure must be in the service of the client

A. Factors such as the client's culture, history, and presenting problem are relatively unimportant in determining how much a therapist should self-disclose in sessions

Robert, who was attracted to his client Helen, decided it would be appropriate to meet her for a "lunch session" at a nearby restaurant since Helen had a hectic schedule one particular week. Helen subsequently asked Robert if they could hold their sessions over lunch more often. If Robert agreed to Helen's request, he would be at risk of experiencing: a. the slippery slope phenomenon b. transference c. the moral decline phenomenon d. lethal attraction syndrome

A. the slippery slope phenomenon

Which of the following statements about sexual contact between therapist and client is FALSE? a. Sexual conduct with clients is prohibited in the codes of ethics of various professional organizations b. Sexual contact with clients is troubling ethically, but the vast majority of clients involved do not experience adverse consequences from it c. Sexual misconduct is one of the most common allegations in malpractice suits d. Sexual misconduct is considered to be one of the most serious of all ethical violations for a therapist

B. Sexual contact with clients is troubling ethically, but the vast majority of clients involved do not experience adverse consequences from it

It is generally a good idea to avoid taking on multiple roles unless there is _____________ for doing so. a. a supervisor's approval b. a sound clinical justification c. a strong financial incentive d. an emotional payoff

B. a sound clinical justification

In an African context, therapy: a. would have an inflexible format and structure b. might include conversation, playful activities, laughter, shared meals and cooking experiences, travel, rituals and ceremony, singing or drumming, and storytelling c. is limited to a 50-minute session in a practitioner's office d. would emphasize the analysis of transference

B. might include conversation, playful activities, laughter, shared meals and cooking experiences, travel, rituals and ceremony, singing or drumming, and storytelling

Counselor educators serve as instructors; however, they sometimes act as therapeutic agents for their students' personal development. This combining of roles and responsibilities is an example of: a. blurred boundaries b. role blending c. role confusion d. boundary violation

B. role blending

Although codes can provide some general guidelines, ______________ is a critical dimension of an ethical practitioner. a. the willingness to reflect on one's practices b. good judgment c. All of the other choices are correct d. being aware of one's motivations

C. All of the other choices are correct

Which of the following would NOT be an appropriate response for a therapist who is struggling with a powerful attraction to a client? a. Monitor boundaries by setting clear limits on physical contact and self-disclosure b. Seek out an experienced colleague, supervisor, or therapist who might help decide a course of action c. Repress feelings of attraction to protect oneself from becoming sexually involved with the client d. Explore reasons for attraction to the client

C. Repress feelings of attraction to protect oneself from becoming sexually involved with the client

Danny had been working with his therapist, Bonnie, for three years when he invited her to attend his graduation from college. Working toward achieving this goal had been a major focus of Danny's therapy. Bonnie's decision to accept his invitation and attend the ceremony was: a. unprofessional b. unethical c. ethical under the circumstances d. immoral

C. ethical under the circumstances

A reason for discouraging the practice of accepting friends as clients, or becoming socially involved with clients, is that counselors: a. need a social life away from work b. tend to be too objective with clients that they know personally c. may have a need to be liked, which could lead them to be less challenging lest the relationship be jeopardized d. are more likely to confront clients they know socially

C. may have a need to be liked, which could lead them to be less challenging lest the relationship be jeopardized

Practitioners in small communities can minimize risks by: a. getting involved in ongoing consultation b. obtaining informed consent c. setting clear boundaries and expectations, both for themselves and with their clients d. All of the other choices are correct e. documenting thoroughly

D. All of the other choices are correct

When a client behaves in a seductive way and a sexual relationship between the client and therapist develops: a. it is unlikely that the client will be harmed by the relationship b. the therapist cannot be held criminally liable if a sexual misconduct case is ever pursued c. the therapist is not behaving unethically by pursuing a sexual relationship with the client d. it is clearly the professional's responsibility to establish and maintain appropriate boundaries

D. it is clearly the professional's responsibility to establish and maintain appropriate boundaries

The term "______________" encompasses both dual relationships and nonprofessional relationships. a. misuse of power b. boundary violations c. transferential relationships d. multiple relationships

D. multiple relationships

T or F Cultural considerations are important in weighing the risks of accepting a gift against the risk of jeopardizing the therapeutic relationship by refusing the gift

True

T or F If bartering is used for psychological services, it is better(less inherently problematic) to exchange goods rather than services

True

T or F Most mental health professionals would agree that accepting a very expensive gift is problematic and potentially unethical

True

T or F Most professional organizations state that in the exceptional circumstance of sexual relationships with former clients the burden of demonstrating that there has been no exploitation clearly rests with the therapist

True

T or F Rigid adherence to boundaries may be just as harmful to clients and the therapeutic relationship as a boundary violation

True

Robert's client is a mother who is grieving the death of her child. Robert feels compassionate as he gently touches her arm to show her that he cares. His client seems comforted by the action, yet he has failed to ask permission to touch. In this case, Robert: a. is likely to create dependency in the counseling relationship b. is likely to have his action misinterpreted as sexually exploitative c. is unprofessional and has invaded the client's boundaries d. expressed empathy for the client that would not be considered unethical by most practitioners

d. expressed empathy for the client that would not be considered unethical by most practitioners