Exam 7: The Professional Relationship: Limits, Dilemmas, and Problems

Discuss the debate in the social work profession about sexual relations with clients and why some social workers feel it is appropriate in specific instances. Class Exercises:

Gewirth's Principle of Generic Consistency states the social worker must always place the needs of the client above his own needs.

As a result of the consumer rights revolution, decisions and notes not previously shared with clients must be made available to them for inspection.

Going to a social worker for help requires that the client believe that the professional will:

What was the responsibility of the prison guard who discovered Alex and Zoe engaging in intercourse?

The professional role introduces a power imbalance; in the relationship the client has certain needs and the social worker has various powers.

What was the responsibility of the hospital's clinical director?

According to Maidment (2006), respectful and appropriate physical contact between the client and worker conveys a sense of connectedness unparalleled by verbal assurance and empathy.

Using the list of reasons to lie to a client provided on the top of page 135-136, discuss with the class which ones they feel are ethical reasons for being dishonest and why they feel this way.

Touching the client is never appropriate in the therapeutic relationship.

With regards to the professional relationship, a social worker is to:

Which of the following dual relationships between therapist and client should be avoided?

The 2008 NASW Code of Ethics allows for a therapist to engage in sexual relations with a former client two years after termination of therapy, provided the relationship would not be damaging to the former client.

An example of a conflict of interest would be a social worker's suggesting that a client shop at a business of which the social worker is part-owner.

Is therapist self-disclosure to a client ethical? Why or why not? Discussion Topics:

What was Alex' responsibility to the hospital, himself, and Zoe when the admission call was initiated?

Have students discuss their feelings about the limited personal privacy for a client (that the professional does not control the data provided by the client) and how, if at all, that impacts the therapeutic relationship.