Question 1

Joe has a counseling practice and is also teaching psychology part-time at a university. He is well-liked and trusted by students and some have asked for private counseling. Joe has decided to wait until semester break before taking them on as clients. Joe would be:
A) exhibiting ethical behavior by telling his students that he will counsel them at the end of the semester.
B) in a dual relationship with his students, which may cause ethical problems.
C) playing favoritism by not counseling all of his students.
D) not qualified to counsel his students because he is a part-time instructor.

Accepted Answer

Joe is in a dual relationship with his students as both their instructor and potential counselor. This can create ethical challenges and conflicts of interest. It is best practice for counselors to avoid dual relationships, particularly with current or recent students. Waiting until semester break is a wise decision, but Joe may also consider referring his students to another counselor who does not have a dual relationship with them.

Question 2

Bonnie became sexually involved with her therapist soon after therapy began. This action was initiated by the______________________ therapist who saw Bonnie's provocative behavior as an invitation to become intimate. Which of the following is NOT______________________a possible on-going consequence for the client being sexually exploited?
A) Experiencing feelings of freedom and peacefulness
B) Experiencing feelings of shame and guilt and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
C) Experiencing depression, fear, and anger
D) Experiencing isolation, a stronger distrust, and suicidal tendencies

Accepted Answer

Experiencing feelings of freedom and peacefulness is not a possible on-going consequence for the client being sexually exploited. The other options are possible consequences for the client, as being sexually exploited can cause significant emotional harm and trauma.

Question 3

Ted is a counselor educator and also acts as therapeutic agent for his students' personal development, since personal awareness is considered to be an intrinsic part of developing counselor skills in the program at the university in which he teaches. Ted is:
A) totally unethical in attempting to guide his students towards self-awareness.
B) involved in a situation in which he will become so subjective that he will be unable to teach his students.
C) involved in role blending, which is inevitable in the process of educating and supervising counselor trainees.
D) in a situation that automatically leads to a conflict of interest.

Accepted Answer

It is inevitable for counselor educators to engage in role blending since personal awareness is considered an intrinsic part of developing counselor skills. As a therapeutic agent, Ted is helping his students develop their personal awareness, which is a necessary aspect of their professional development. However, Ted must also maintain appropriate boundaries and ensure that he does not cross into the role of therapist. Therefore, role blending is necessary but must be done with caution.

Question 4

Therapists can deal with powerful attractions to clients by:
A) repressing their feelings of attraction.
B) asking the client if the feeling is mutual.
C) terminating the relationship immediately.
D) monitoring boundaries by setting clear limits on physical contact, self-disclosure, and client requests for personal information.

Accepted Answer

The best option is to monitor boundaries by setting clear limits on physical contact, self-disclosure, and client requests for personal information. This helps maintain a professional and ethical relationship with the client while not ignoring the therapist's feelings. Repressing feelings of attraction can be harmful to the therapist's well-being and asking the client if the feeling is mutual can potentially harm the therapeutic relationship. Terminating the relationship immediately is not always necessary and can be harmful to the client's well-being.

Question 5

According to the National Organization for Human Services, 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) Professionals support the trust implicit in the helping relationship by avoiding dual relationships that may impair professional judgment, increase the risk of harm to clients, or lead to exploitation.

Accepted Answer

The National Organization for Human Services states that professionals support the trust implicit in the helping relationship by avoiding dual relationships that may impair professional judgment, increase the risk of harm to clients, or lead to exploitation. Therefore, choice D is the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not align with the organization's stance on dual relationships.

Question 6

______________________is a serious breach that results in harm to clients and is therefore unethical.
A) A slippery slope
B) A dual relationship
C) A boundary violation
D) A malpractice suit

Accepted Answer

A boundary violation is a serious breach of ethical conduct that results in harm to clients. Dual relationships and slippery slopes can also lead to ethical concerns, but they may not necessarily result in harm to clients. A malpractice suit is a legal matter rather than an ethical one.

Question 7

Which one of the following is NOT considered a guideline to minimizing the likelihood of sexual transgressions by clinicians?
A) Seek professional support during times of personal loss or crisis.
B) Differentiate between having sexual attraction to clients and acting on this attraction.
C) Avoid terminating the therapeutic relationship, even when sexual feelings obscure objectivity.
D) Make it a practice to examine and monitor feelings and behaviors toward clients.

Accepted Answer

The guideline of avoiding termination of the therapeutic relationship is not considered a way of minimizing the likelihood of sexual transgressions by clinicians. In fact, terminating the therapeutic relationship can be necessary in cases where sexual feelings obscure objectivity. Seeking professional support, differentiating between attraction and action, and examining and monitoring feelings and behaviors are all important guidelines in minimizing the likelihood of sexual transgressions.

Question 8

Linda is considering developing a multiple or dual relationship with her client. It's important for Linda 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 benefit outweighs the potential for harm.

Accepted Answer

It is important for Linda to carefully consider the potential benefits and potential harm before entering into a dual or multiple relationship with her client. While all multiple relationships should not necessarily be avoided, it is important to exercise caution and to prioritize the client's well-being. Absolute answers are not always available and ethical dilemmas may require careful consideration and consultation with colleagues or supervisors.

Question 9

A common reaction of therapists who realize that they have sexual feelings towards their clients is to:
A) feel angry at themselves.
B) speak openly about the matter to the client.
C) investigate to see if the client feels the same.
D) feel guilty, anxious, and confused.

Accepted Answer

Feeling guilty, anxious, and confused is a common reaction for therapists who realize that they have sexual feelings towards their clients. It is important for the therapist to seek supervision or consult a colleague about the situation in order to prevent any harm to the client or the therapeutic relationship. Speaking openly to the client or investigating to see if the client feels the same is never appropriate and can be harmful to the client.

Question 10

Boundary management is:
A) not an issue in sparsely populated areas.
B) less challenging in rural areas than in urban areas.
C) equally as challenging in rural and urban areas.
D) more challenging in rural areas than in urban areas.

Accepted Answer

Boundary management refers to the management of the boundaries between work and personal life. In rural areas, there may be fewer opportunities for recreation or social activities, which may lead to difficulty in creating a separation between work and personal life. Additionally, in rural areas, there may be a greater expectation to be available for work outside of normal business hours due to the nature of agricultural or other rural industries. Therefore, boundary management may be more challenging in rural areas than in urban areas.

Question 11

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.

Accepted Answer

Departures from commonly accepted practices that could potentially benefit clients are referred to as boundary crossings. Unethical boundaries (A) would involve actions that clearly violate ethical codes or professional standards. Boundary violations (C) would involve actions that harm clients or exploit the therapeutic relationship. Interpersonal boundaries (D) refer to personal boundaries that individuals set in their relationships with others.

Question 12

Which of the following situations does NOT have the potential to harm or exploit a client?
A) Entering a business venture with a client
B) Developing a sexual relationship with a client
C) Establishing a social relationship with a client
D) Setting healthy boundaries during the initial visit

Accepted Answer

Setting healthy boundaries during the initial visit is necessary to establish a professional and ethical relationship between a client and therapist. A and B have the potential to create conflicts of interests and harm the client. C can also be problematic as it blurs the lines between a professional and personal relationship, potentially leading to boundary violations.

Question 13

When a client is unable to afford therapy, it is possible that he or she may:
A) offer a bartering arrangement or exchanging goods in lieu of a fee.
B) offer sexual favors in exchange for services.
C) force the therapist to continue treatment free of charge.
D) report the therapist to his or her license board if he or she refuses to continue treatment and receive payment when the client can afford it at a later date.

Accepted Answer

Offering a bartering arrangement, such as exchanging goods or services for therapy, can be a mutually beneficial option for both the client and therapist. It allows the client to receive therapy without the financial burden, while also providing the therapist with a valuable service or item in exchange for their time and expertise. All other options listed are unethical and/or illegal.

Question 14

Marty is counseling with an Asian client who recently returned from a trip to Japan to visit relatives. His client wants to give him an inexpensive souvenir. It is important for Marty to:
A) refuse the gift on ethical grounds.
B) explain that the gift would change their relationship and create a conflict of interest.
C) be aware that accepting the gift may be culturally appropriate with this client.
D) explain that he cannot accept the gift until the counseling relationship is over.

Accepted Answer

In some Asian cultures, gift-giving is a sign of respect and appreciation, and refusing the gift may be seen as disrespectful or insulting. Therefore, it is important for Marty to be aware of this cultural difference and understand that accepting a small, symbolic gift may be appropriate in this case. However, it is important to clarify any potential conflict of interest or boundary issues that may arise from accepting the gift.

Question 15

A counselor is likely to adopt stricter social boundaries and will be concerned about polluting the transference relationship if he or she is:
A) psychoanalytically oriented.
B) a behavioral therapist.
C) working with culturally diverse clients.
D) already engaged in an active social life.

Accepted Answer

Psychoanalytic orientation places a significant emphasis on the transference relationship, which requires strict social boundaries to prevent any contamination of the therapeutic relationship.

Question 16

Clients can file a legal complaint against a therapist for sexual misconduct by all of the following methods EXCEPT:
A) filing a malpractice suit.
B) filing an ethical complaint with the therapist's licensing board.
C) lodging a complaint with the AARP.
D) filing a criminal complaint or a civil suit.

Accepted Answer

Clients can file a legal complaint against a therapist for sexual misconduct by filing a malpractice suit, filing an ethical complaint with the therapist's licensing board, or filing a criminal complaint or a civil suit. However, lodging a complaint with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) would not be a method for filing a legal complaint against a therapist.

Question 17

In the authors' view, non­erotic touching between counselor and client should be:
A) a spontaneous and honest expression of the therapist's feelings.
B) incongruent with what they feel.
C) a therapeutic technique used to extinguish catharsis.
D) considered unethical.

Accepted Answer

Non-erotic touching is seen as a spontaneous and honest expression of the therapist's feelings, which can help build rapport and trust in the therapeutic relationship.

Question 18

Which of the following actions would maximize the risks inherent in dual or multiple relationships?
A) Setting healthy boundaries from the outset
B) Securing informed consent of clients and discuss with them both the potential risks and benefits of dual relationships
C) Documenting any dual relationships in clinical case notes
D) Becoming romantically involved with the client

Accepted Answer

Becoming romantically involved with the client is the most clear and extreme example of a dual relationship that can significantly increase the risks inherent in such relationships. It interferes with professional objectivity and can damage the therapeutic relationship, as well as potentially causing harm to the client. All other options (setting healthy boundaries, informed consent, and documentation) are ethical requirements and good practice for managing dual relationships, and can help minimize the risks involved.

Question 19

In regards to boundaries in the counseling relationship, Lazarus takes the position that:
A) certain ethics and boundaries actually diminish therapeutic effectiveness.
B) all boundaries should be eliminated because they destroy the counseling relationship.
C) strong boundaries must be maintained in order to avoid malpractice suits.
D) traits such as flexibility, spontaneity, and warmth tend to be characteristics of therapists who maintain strong boundaries.

Accepted Answer

Lazarus argues that rigid adherence to certain ethical boundaries can sometimes hinder the therapeutic process, suggesting that flexibility can enhance effectiveness.

Question 20

According to professional codes of ethics, sexual relationships between client and counselor are considered to be ethical under which of the following circumstances?
A) If the therapist is really in love with the client.
B) If there is consent by the client.
C) These relationships are not considered to be ethical under any circumstances.
D) If the sexual relationship begins within six months of termination.

Accepted Answer

Professional codes of ethics universally prohibit sexual relationships between therapists and clients, even if the client consents or if the therapist is in love with the client. This prohibition is in place to maintain a therapeutic relationship that is free from exploitation, manipulation, and abuse of power. Sexual relationships with clients are never considered ethical. The only exception may be if the sexual relationship begins after a significant amount of time has passed since the termination of the therapeutic relationship, which is typically defined as two years.

Quiz 7: Managing Boundaries and Multiple Relationships

Joe has a counseling practice and is also teaching psychology part-time at a university. He is well-liked and trusted by students and some have asked for private counseling. Joe has decided to wait until semester break before taking them on as clients. Joe would be:

Bonnie became sexually involved with her therapist soon after therapy began. This action was initiated by the therapist who saw Bonnie's provocative behavior as an invitation to become intimate. Which of the following is NOTa possible on-going consequence for the client being sexually exploited?

Ted is a counselor educator and also acts as therapeutic agent for his students' personal development, since personal awareness is considered to be an intrinsic part of developing counselor skills in the program at the university in which he teaches. Ted is:

Therapists can deal with powerful attractions to clients by:

According to the National Organization for Human Services, the following is TRUE concerning dual relationships:

______________________is a serious breach that results in harm to clients and is therefore unethical.

Which one of the following is NOT considered a guideline to minimizing the likelihood of sexual transgressions by clinicians?

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

A common reaction of therapists who realize that they have sexual feelings towards their clients is to:

Boundary management is:

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

Which of the following situations does NOT have the potential to harm or exploit a client?

When a client is unable to afford therapy, it is possible that he or she may:

Marty is counseling with an Asian client who recently returned from a trip to Japan to visit relatives. His client wants to give him an inexpensive souvenir. It is important for Marty to:

A counselor is likely to adopt stricter social boundaries and will be concerned about polluting the transference relationship if he or she is:

Clients can file a legal complaint against a therapist for sexual misconduct by all of the following methods EXCEPT:

In the authors' view, nonerotic touching between counselor and client should be:

Which of the following actions would maximize the risks inherent in dual or multiple relationships?

In regards to boundaries in the counseling relationship, Lazarus takes the position that:

According to professional codes of ethics, sexual relationships between client and counselor are considered to be ethical under which of the following circumstances?