What is a dual relationship?

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Multiple Choice

What is a dual relationship?

Dual relationships arise when a therapist has more than one role with a client. This means layering roles—such as being a therapist and a teacher, supervisor, friend, relative, or business partner—simultaneously with the same person. The key issue is not just having a friendship or a financial tie, but the presence of multiple functions. This can blur boundaries, affect judgment, and create conflicts of interest or power imbalances that can undermine trust and safety in therapy. While friendship can be an example, the broader concept includes any situation where more than one role exists, which is why the definition emphasizes more than one role with the client.

Dual relationships arise when a therapist has more than one role with a client. This means layering roles—such as being a therapist and a teacher, supervisor, friend, relative, or business partner—simultaneously with the same person. The key issue is not just having a friendship or a financial tie, but the presence of multiple functions. This can blur boundaries, affect judgment, and create conflicts of interest or power imbalances that can undermine trust and safety in therapy. While friendship can be an example, the broader concept includes any situation where more than one role exists, which is why the definition emphasizes more than one role with the client.

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