In terms of client management, what does “dual relationships” refer to?

Dual relationships refer to situations where a counselor engages in multiple roles with a client beyond the primary counseling relationship. This can include a variety of contexts where the counselor may be a friend, business associate, family member, or have a social connection with the client in addition to acting as their counselor. The concern with dual relationships arises from the potential for conflicts of interest, exploitation, or the blurring of professional boundaries which could impede the therapeutic process and affect the counselor's objectivity.

Understanding the implications of dual relationships is crucial for maintaining ethical standards in counseling. It is important for counselors to establish clear professional boundaries to ensure that the integrity of the client-counselor relationship is preserved and that the client's well-being remains the top priority.