Prior to the 21st century, psychotherapists were mainly advised by ethicists and risk management so-called experts to completely avoid dual relationships, which were viewed as “boundary violations”. The prevalent, and rather absurd, belief was that dual relationships are generally unethical and often lead to sexual relationships. Among the forces that helped to change this absurd view was Arnold Lazarus’ and Ofer Zur’s 2002 book, Dual Relationships and Psychotherapy. It broke new ground by pointing out that not only were dual relationships often unavoidable, but that, when carefully and clinically considered, they could be a beneficial part of psychotherapy and part of a healthy community.
Dr. Zur’s subsequent numerous publications and extensive teaching on the ethical and clinical aspects of dual relationships has employed critical thinking to thoroughly explore this important new perspective. This new perspective takes into account that multiple relationships are unavoidable in numerous settings, such as rural, military, forensic, rehabilitation and spiritual communities and several educational settings.
Eventually most ethicists (regretfully, not all) and most major professional mental health associations revised or clarified their view of multiple relationships and debunked the unfounded and rather paranoid negative ‘old’ view of multiple relationships. As a result, many previously frowned upon, so-called “boundary violations” are now considered as flexible “boundary crossings” and an adjunct to good psychotherapy.