Fetters or Freedom: Dual Relationships in Counselling

Dual relationships occur whenever one person assumes more than one role in a relationship with another person. They may be unavoidable and are not necessarily harmful but there is always a potential for a conflict of interest and exploitation; because of this a number of Western professional counselling organisations have prohibited all dual relationships. Whilst this is essential for sexual dual relationships it can be too rigid for non-sexual ones because of the different cultural, social or geographical circumstances. Examples of non-sexual dual relationships such as acceptance of gifts, barter, attendance at social events and the use of touch are all explored to find appropriate and constructive ways to use them.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]