Law and Ethics Practice Exam

What is the ethical implication of a therapist engaging in a romantic relationship with a client after therapy ends?

1. Acceptable if there is client consent

2. Legal but violates ethical guidelines

3. Permissible if therapy is terminated

4. Always unethical and illegal

The correct answer is: Always unethical and illegal

A therapist engaging in a romantic relationship with a client after therapy ends raises significant ethical concerns regardless of the timing of the relationship. The primary reason for this is the inherent power imbalance that exists between a therapist and their client. Even after therapy has concluded, the therapist may still hold a position of influence over the client due to the nature of their previous relationship. This can complicate the dynamics and potentially lead to exploitation, where the client may feel obligated or inclined to consent due to the prior therapeutic relationship. Ethical guidelines from professional organizations, such as the American Psychological Association, emphasize that therapists must maintain clear and appropriate boundaries, as well as prioritize the welfare of their clients. Engaging in a romantic relationship, even post-therapy, can compromise the professional integrity of the therapist and may negatively impact the trust and confidence that clients have in therapeutic relationships. Furthermore, such relationships can lead to conflicts of interest, as the therapist's objectivity and professional judgment may be influenced by personal feelings. This is why many ethical codes categorically advise against entering into romantic or sexual relationships with former clients. Therefore, the stance that such relationships are always considered unethical aligns with the guiding principles of professional ethics in therapy and the need to protect client welfare above all.