Professional Psychology Counseling Ethics Essay

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Jane and Benny, most professional organizations expressly forbid sexual relationships between psychologists and former clients for at least two years after the termination of the therapeutic relationship. According to the American Psychological Association, developing sexual intimacy with former therapy patients or clients are "frequently harmful to the patient or client," (APA, 2010, Standard 10.08). Jane and Benny might not realize it now, but the harm may be subtle, in the form of the development of unhealthy dependency. Moreover, the APA (2010) notes that intimacies between psychologists and former clients often "undermine public confidence in the psychology profession and thereby deter the public's use of needed services," (Standard 10.08). Given the imperative to providing effective psychological services to former inmates to help them become strong, functional, and independent, it is important that psychologists refrain from engaging in sexual or romantic intimacy with former clients.

Only in "the most unusual circumstances" would an intimate relationship be condoned, and it is doubtful that Jane and Benny could call their situation "most unusual." Granted, they may both claim that Benny's need for a place to stay and a friend will prove to be ultimately beneficial for him, especially given his history with social isolation.

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Jane and Benny may argue that their relationship was unusual in some way. Yet the Australian Counselling Association (2014) does not offer any leeway in the development of relationships between former clients and their psychologists. In fact, the Australian Counselling Association (2014) claims that it is unethical for any relationship -- sexual or not -- to develop between psychologists and their former clients within a two-year period following termination of therapy. The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (2014) claims that even after two years have elapsed, the psychologist should refrain from intimacy with former clients.

Likewise, the American Psychological Association offers a period of two years, after which the psychologist is still discouraged from pursuing the relationship. Some professional organizations request even longer periods of time to elapse before the commencement of a romantic relationship between a psychologist and former client. For example, the Code of Ethics for the Association for Addiction Professionals (n.d.) states that the addiction professional "will not, under any circumstances, engage in sexual behavior with current or former clients" (Statement 4). Given that Jane had been treating Benny in part for substance abuse issues, the Association for Addiction Professionals applies to.....

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"Professional Psychology Counseling Ethics" (2015, September 01) Retrieved June 4, 2026, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/professional-psychology-counseling-ethics-2156906

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"Professional Psychology Counseling Ethics" 01 September 2015. Web.4 June. 2026. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/professional-psychology-counseling-ethics-2156906>

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"Professional Psychology Counseling Ethics", 01 September 2015, Accessed.4 June. 2026,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/professional-psychology-counseling-ethics-2156906
   

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