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Therapy works because the relationship has edges. This page is about keeping them.

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The standard

You follow the NASW Code of Ethics and Utah’s rules for mental health professionals. This page doesn’t replace them. It states how we apply them here.

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Dual relationships

A dual relationship is any relationship with a client, or a client’s close family, outside the therapy relationship: business, social, romantic, financial, or otherwise.
  • Sexual or romantic contact with a current client is prohibited. With a former client it’s prohibited for at least the period Utah rules and the NASW code require, and it’s a bad idea after that.
  • Business or financial relationships with clients are prohibited. Don’t hire a client, work for a client, buy from a client, or invest with one.
  • Social relationships with clients are avoided. Salt Lake City is small, and you’ll run into clients. Be warm, be brief, and let the client decide whether to acknowledge you. Don’t initiate.
  • Social media: don’t friend, follow, or accept requests from clients on personal accounts. See Social media.

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When a dual relationship is unavoidable

Sometimes you’ll discover a connection after therapy has begun: a client turns out to be your child’s teacher, or your neighbor’s sibling. When that happens:
  1. Don’t decide alone. Bring it to Helen (or your supervisor, if you’re a CSW) promptly.
  2. Document the situation and the decision in the client’s record.
  3. Where the connection compromises the work, help the client transfer to another clinician with care. See Ending services and referrals.

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Self-disclosure

Share about yourself only when it serves the client’s treatment, and sparingly. If you notice you’re disclosing to meet your own needs, bring it to consultation.

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Physical contact

Keep physical contact to what’s clinically appropriate and clearly consented to, such as a handshake. Some clients have trauma histories that make any touch loaded. When in doubt, don’t.

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Touch on the other side

If a client makes an advance toward you, or their behavior makes you uncomfortable, you don’t have to manage it alone. Set the boundary in session, document it, and tell Helen. See also Workplace violence and threats.

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Reporting boundary concerns

If you’re worried about your own boundaries with a client, or a colleague’s, say so early. Boundary problems are much easier to address at the “I’m noticing something” stage than after they’ve become a violation. Bring it to Helen or the practice manager. Raising it in good faith will never be held against you.