For a detailed article on the topic of different types of multiple relationships: Zur, O. (2014). Not All Multiple Relationships Are Created Equal: Mapping the Maze of 26 Types of Multiple Relationships. Independent Practitioner, 34/1, 15-22.
TYPES OF DUAL OR MULTIPLE RELATIONSHIPS
Choice: Mandated, Unavoidable, Healthy/Normal, Avoidable, Unexpected
Context: Social, Professional, Business, Institutional, Forensic, Supervisory, Sexual, Digital, Addition
Legal/Ethical: Ethical, Unethical, Legal, Illegal
Timing/Sequence: Concurrent, Sequential
Intensity: Low, Medium, High
Normal/Common: Normal/common for certain settings, not common/normal for settings/situations
Dispelling the Myths that AllMultiple Relationships are Unethical and/or Harmful
As mental health professionals, most of us have had the experience of attending risk management or ethics workshops where we hear the central message, and dire warning, that multiple relationships are generally prohibited, inherently harmful and should be avoided. We, understandably but falsely, assume these messages are based on prohibitions in the codes of ethics. In fact, not one professional code of ethics prohibits all forms of dual or multiple relationships. Of course, sexual dual relationships between psychotherapists and current or recently terminated clients are always unethical. However, other forms of dual relationships are, in fact, mandated or required and, in certain situations, they can be unavoidable. Furthermore, there are types of multiple relationships which are, in fact, a normal part of healthy, interconnected and interdependent small communities. (Generally, the terms ‘dual relationship’ and ‘multiple relationship’ are used interchangeably.)
Multiple relationships take place when, in addition to the professional role of a psychotherapist or counselor, the professional is also involved in an additional role with the client or with a person closely associated with the client.
The Codes of Ethics of NASW, ACA, CAMFT, etc. provide statements that are basically similar to that of the APA: “Multiple relationships that would not reasonably be expected to cause impairment or risk exploitation or harm are not unethical.” ACA‘s code states that multiple relationships “may be potentially beneficial”, and CAMFT‘s code states that, “Not all dual relationships are unethical, and some dual relationships cannot be avoided.” In summary, none of the major professional organizations’ codes of ethics prohibits all forms of dual or multiple relationships.
Dual Relationships Can Be:
Contexts of Multiple Relationships
Ethical & Legal Multiple Relationships
Timing/Sequence of Dual Relationships
Intensity Level of Involvement
Common or Normal
Situations That Generally DO NOT Constitute Dual Relationships
The Main Types of Multiple Relationships to AVOID
Free Resources by the Zur Institute on Dual Relationships
Consult on Dual Relationships Cases