Re:Ethical Issue/Dual Relationship

I don't know if you will check back again to read this response, or you will find my answer useful.

I don't see where you have anything to feel that guilty about. I think maybe you only have some legal fears, and are they real? That's what you must clear up. Once you get past that, I think that you will feel okay. She isn't about to do harm to herself, and although you do have some fear of legal action, it does seem like it is only your fear fueled by guilt. Clear that up and you will feel better.

You probably became a little too involved with your friend/colleague/patient. Deeper involvement in someone's life can be very helpful in therapy. It's too bad that this relationship happened under the definition of therapy rather than as friend/colleague. Had you just been talking as friends, ironically, you wouldn't feel this fear and guilt.

Define your relationship. Set your limits. And find some assurance that she's not going to take you to court. It doesn't sound like it's a realistic fear.

Replies:

Beginning to See the Light, by Anguished, 08/25/02

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