Boundaries and Dual Relationships: The Ethical Way

Fulfills requirement: Professional Ethics for all professions

This unique course addresses the complexities of dual relationships in a flexible, realistic, and non-dogmatic way. In contrast to the myth of the depravity of dual relationships and boundary crossing, this course illustrates that many types of boundary crossings and nonsexual dual relationships are unavoidable and ethical. They also can increase the effectiveness of treatment and can be an integral part of evidence-based treatment plans or other well-formulated treatment plans.

This intermediate-advanced level course is comprised of seven articles available in written and audio formats. Content features Dr. Zur’s pioneering work in therapeutic boundaries and dual relationships. The course clarifies that dual relationships are unavoidable in many rural and small communities, such as churches, synagogues, LGBTQIA+, military, minority, and disabled communities. It also dispels the myth that nonsexual dual relationships inevitably lead to sexual relationships and illustrates how familiarity and duality can speed up treatment, increase therapeutic effectiveness, and reduce, rather than increase, the possibility of clients being exploited by their therapists. Zur analyzes the arguments against dual relationships and their rebuttals, and he provides common-sense advice and ethical decision-making strategies.

Although not officially part of the course, information about boundaries and dual relationships specific to the State of New York is included.