Deck 9: Managing Boundary Issues

Question 1

Therapists who make home visits

A)are behaving unethically.
B)are behaving illegally.
C)both a and b.
D)none of the above.

Answer 1

D

Question 2

Lucia is considering developing a multiple or dual relationship with her client.It's important for Lucia to remember

A)that all multiple relationships should be avoided because they are usually harmful.
B)that absolute answers are available to resolve dual or multiple relationship dilemmas.
C)to be cautious in order to protect herself from censure.
D)to consider whether the potential benefits outweigh the potential for harm.

Answer 2

D

Question 3

Dual/multiple relationships are generally discouraged because

A)these relationships are also illegal.
B)such relationships always impair professional judgment.
C)there is a danger of exploiting the client.
D)clients often misuse their power in the transference relationship.
E)these relationships always entail a conflict of interest.

Answer 3

C

Question 4

Codes of ethics deal _____with setting appropriate boundaries,recognizing potential conflicts of interest,and taking steps to manage multiple relationships.

A)specifically and extensively
B)minimally and ineffectively
C)increasingly,but insufficiently
D)unrealistically

Question 5

With regard to nonsexual dual relationships,_____ of the codes state that they are

A)few;ethical
B)few;unethical
C)most;unethical and illegal
D)none;unethical

Question 6

The practice of bartering psychotherapy for either goods or services

A)is considered unethical by virtually all the ethical codes.
B)has the potential for conflicts.
C)is generally an illegal practice.
D)is always an attempt of the therapist to control the client.
E)presents no problems if both the therapist and the client agree on bartering arrangements.

Question 7

Martin has been Joanna's counselor for five years and has developed a strong attraction to her.He believes the attraction is mutual and decides to pursue a sexually intimate relationship with her.Martin is disregarding the fact that

A)all of the ethics codes of the professional organizations prohibit sexual relationships between client and therapist.
B)he could potentially be convicted of a felony.
C)his actions would likely result in exploiting and harming Joanna.
D)he could have his license revokeD.
E)all of the abovE.

Question 8

Ethical codes are quite clear regarding how to address dual relationships,which means that dealing with dual relationships is a clear-cut matter.

Question 9

The following is not true concerning dual relationships:

A)Dual relationships are avoidable and always harmful.
B)Dual relationships challenge helpers to examine the motivations for their practice.
C)Few absolute answers can be applied in the resolutions of dual relationship dilemmas.
D)Before becoming involved in a dual relationship,it is good practice to seek consultation from colleagues or a supervisor.

Question 10

The APA (2002) ethics code offers three helpful criteria in making decisions about multiple relationships.These include all except for

A)risk of exploitation.
B)loss of therapist objectivity.
C)assessment of benefit to the therapist.
D)harm to the professional relationship.

Question 11

When there is potential for negative consequences arising from a dual relationship,it is the responsibility of the professional to

A)secure the informed consent of clients and discuss with them both the potential risks and benefits of the relationship.
B)consult with other professionals.
C)seek supervision if the risk for harm is high.
D)document any dual relationships in clinical case notes.
E)all of the above

Question 12

Jenny's adolescent cousin recently got into trouble with the law.Jenny was asked by her family to counsel him since she knows the family history from a personal point of view.If Jenny did counsel her cousin,she would

A)be in a dual relationship.
B)be in an unavoidable situation.
C)have to seek supervision.
D)document all services provideD.

Question 13

Which of the following is not an example of a multiple relationship?

A)One's instructor for didactic courses also serves as his or her clinical supervisor.
B)A therapist who generally uses a nondirective approach experiments with using some directive techniques.
C)A therapist and client develop a sexual relationship.
D)A poor farmer who needs mental health services exchanges vegetables and fruit for counseling.

Question 14

The following action would maximize the risks inherent in dual or multiple relationships:

A)Set healthy boundaries from the outset.
B)Secure informed consent of clients and discuss with them both the potential risks and benefits of dual relationships.
C)Document any dual relationships in clinical case notes.
D)Become romantically involved with the client.

Question 15

Discussing sexual feelings about clients

A)should never occur under any circumstances.
B)should occur only with one's religious or spiritual advisor.
C)should ideally occur during internships and peer supervision groups.
D)should occur only with the client.

Question 16

A study showed that when deciding whether or not to accept gifts from clients,psychologists were more likely to accept gifts that were

A)inexpensive,culturally appropriate,and given as a sign of appreciation at the end of treatment.
B)inexpensive,but sentimental in value.
C)offered any time during the course of treatment as a token of gratitude as long as they were relatively inexpensive..
D)expensive and tasteful.
E)none of the above since they overwhelming agreed that accepting gifts of any value is unprofessional.

Question 17

What is an accepted ethical guideline in terms of having social and personal relationships with clients?

A)Therapists are advised to avoid dual relationships with their clients.
B)Friendships with clients always have positive results in counseling.
C)Counseling a friend is beneficial to both people involved.
D)Any form of social relationships with clients always damages the therapeutic relationship.
E)These dual relationships are not only highly unprofessional and unethical,but also illegal in most states.

Question 18

Departures from commonly accepted practices that could potentially benefit clients are referred to as

A)unethical boundaries.
B)boundary crossings.
C)boundary violations.
D)interpersonal boundaries.

Question 19

Home visits,and out of office visits fall into the category of

A)boundary crossings.
B)boundary violations.
C)boundary considerations.
D)none of the above.

Question 20

The following is true concerning dual relationships:

A)There is a clear consensus among practitioners regarding nonsexual relationships in counseling.
B)Due to the fact that there are clinical,ethical,and legal risks,all blending of roles must be avoided.
C)Objectivity in counseling is enhanced with dual relationships.
D)Counselors need to make every effort to avoid dual relationships with clients that could impart professional judgment or increase the risk of harm to clients.

Question 21

If a dual relationship is unavoidable,it is a good idea for helpers to document and monitor their practices.

Question 22

The code of ethics of some professional organizations still do not explicitly prohibit sexual relationships between client and therapist.

Question 23

Dual or multiple relationships are not necessarily harmful,unethical,or unprofessional.

Question 24

According to some writers,some dual relationships can alter the power differential between helpers and clients in a way that is healing to clients.

Question 25

A boundary violation is a serious breach that causes harm to the client.

Question 26

Rigid avoidance of all boundary crossings could result in a weakening of the therapeutic alliance.

Question 27

Most of the professional codes prohibit the practice of bartering in a counseling relationship.

Question 28

Strictly avoiding dual relationships can lead to increased isolation.

Question 29

Sexual misconduct is still one of the major causes for malpractice actions against mental health providers.

Question 30

Bartering is not prohibited by ethics or law.

Question 31

According to some writers,graduate education tends to escalate students' fears of licensing agencies and lawsuits.

Question 32

Most of the professional codes of ethics specifically address the topic of giving or receiving gifts in the therapeutic relationship.

Question 33

According to the codes of ethics of all helping professions,making friends with former clients is always considered unethical because of the power differential.

Question 34

Helpers virtually always perform a singular role when working with clients.

Question 35

Nonsexual dual or multiple relationships tend to be complex,and few of the questions surrounding them have simple and absolute answers.

Question 36

A boundary crossing is a departure from standard practice that could potentially benefit clients.

Question 37

In the case of avoidable dual relationships,if the benefits outweigh the risks,the relationship may be justified.

Question 38

It is always desirable that helpers avoid engaging in dual or multiple relationships.

Question 39

A case could be made that bartering is below the minimum standard of practice.

Question 40

Nonsexual dual relationships most often pave the way to exploitation or harm.