Dual Relationships and Professional Integrity: An Ethical Dilemma Case of a Family Counselor as Clergy

Abstract

Counselors and other related professionals occupy many roles in society in addition to those of their professional responsibilities. Although many of these dual relationships do not raise ethical concerns, by the very nature of their duality, challenging ethical situations may emerge. This article examines one of the categories of dual relationship that has been least explored—counselor and clergy. It provides a vignette that illustrates the double bind of a counselor and clergy concerning a 15-year-old client who was raped, and the request of her parents. It concludes with some basic questions that counselors should consider when faced with ethical dilemmas as well as providing a framework for making ethical decisions.

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