Therapist Development Center Practice Exam 1

How should a social worker address the issue of dual relationships when family members request multiple forms of therapy?

1. Encourage family members to set boundaries.

2. Establish separate therapeutic relationships.

3. Modify the treatment plan for all involved members.

4. Integrate the therapy sessions for convenience.

The correct answer is: Establish separate therapeutic relationships.

Establishing separate therapeutic relationships is vital in addressing the issue of dual relationships, especially when family members seek multiple forms of therapy from the same social worker. Dual relationships can lead to conflicts of interest, ethical dilemmas, and complications in maintaining professional boundaries. By establishing separate therapeutic relationships, the social worker can ensure that each individual's issues are addressed individually and without the interference or bias that might arise from the family's interconnected dynamics. This approach protects the integrity of the therapeutic process, allowing for confidential discussions tailored to each person's needs. It also minimizes the risk of dual relationships that could compromise the effectiveness of therapy or lead to unintended consequences. Such clarity is essential in maintaining a professional, ethical framework within the therapeutic alliance. While encouraging boundary setting, modifying treatment plans, or integrating sessions might seem practical, they can each potentially blur the lines of professional boundaries and complicate the therapeutic process. These alternatives might not effectively mitigate the risks associated with dual relationships in family therapy contexts.