Is It A Breach Of Ethics To Treat/see 2 Clients Individually - Not Couples Counselling - Who Are In A Long Term Relationship?

Question: Is it a breach of ethics to treat/see 2 clients individually - not couples counselling - who are in a long term relationship? How can the therapist remain unbiased?

Answer: This practice is not unethical as such but it's not a recommended practice. It can certainly present problems for both the therapist and the individuals involved. However skillfully handled, the therapist becomes an integral part of the dynamics between the couple and the therapists' own countertransference is doubly activated. It can be manageable with excellent clinical supervision and a very experienced therapist but even then, it's not a good idea if it can be avoided.

Answer provided by David White

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