What are "dual relationships" in psychology?

Dual relationships in psychology refer to situations where a psychologist has multiple roles with a client, either simultaneously or sequentially. This can include any non-professional relationship that exists alongside the therapeutic one, which can potentially affect the client's well-being or the objectivity of the psychologist.

For example, a psychologist might also be a friend, business partner, or family member of a client. These kinds of dual roles can complicate the professional boundaries necessary for effective therapy, as they may introduce biases or conflicts of interest that could impair the therapeutic process.

Maintaining clear boundaries is essential in psychology to ensure that the client’s needs are the primary focus and that the integrity of the therapeutic relationship is upheld. In contrast, choices that describe the nature of dual relationships as enhancing trust, ensuring exclusivity in professional engagement, or merely indicating friendships outside therapy settings do not capture the complexities and potential challenges posed by having multiple roles with a client.