Question

During the course of therapy, a very strong emotional bond develops between Rowene and her client, Artie. Three years after the therapy terminates, Rowene and Artie run into each other at a delicatessen and decide to share a pastrami sandwich. One thing leads to another and several dill pickles later, Rowene and Artie begin a sexual relationship. One year later they break up. Artie, hurt and vengeful, files a complaint with the BBS claiming Rowene engaged in an unethical dual relationship with Artie by virtue of the relationship they entered into after therapy. Regarding this claim, which of the following responses is true? Revocation of a LCSW's license after having been found to have engaged in sexual misconduct with a client would occur after: Content Area: Ethics: Professional Competence and Preventing Harm. This question tests your knowledge of legal and ethical standards involving post therapy sexual relationships. A. Rowene violated neither legal nor ethical standards. B. Rowene violated both legal and ethical standards. C. Rowene violated the law, but not ethical standards. D. Rowene violated ethical standards, but not the law.

Answer 1

Both the legal and ethical standards of professional organizations for therapists usually prohibit sexual relationships with former clients. In this scenario, the LCSW violated both of these standards as she engaged in a sexual relationship with a former client, leading to a dual relationship. Option B.

Step-by-step explanation:

The situation described involved a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Rowene, engaging in a sexual relationship with a former client, Artie, after the therapeutic relationship had ended. Generally, the ethical guidelines for most professional organizations, including the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), prohibit therapists from engaging in sexual relationships with current or former clients, as it poses potential harm to the client. It is, therefore, considered a dual relationship.

While laws may vary depending on the jurisdiction, in most parts the violation of these guidelines can result in disciplinary action, including the revocation of the therapist's license. Therefore, the most accurate response would be (B) Rowene violated both legal and ethical standards.

Learn more about Ethical Violations in Therapy