As an ethical family therapist, if you find yourself attracted to a client, what should you do?

When a therapist experiences attraction toward a client, it raises significant ethical concerns regarding the therapeutic relationship and the potential for boundary violations. Discussing the issue with a colleague is a vital step in managing these feelings in a professional manner. This provides an opportunity for the therapist to gain insight, support, and guidance on how to navigate the situation according to ethical standards. Consulting with a colleague helps ensure that the therapist maintains professionalism and protects the integrity of the therapeutic relationship.

Engaging in this consultation allows the therapist to reflect on their feelings in a safe environment and consider the best course of action. This aligns with ethical guidelines that emphasize the importance of supervision and consultation in situations where personal feelings might interfere with professional responsibilities. Ultimately, addressing these feelings responsibly helps safeguard the client's well-being and the overall therapeutic process.

In situations like this, simply dismissing the feelings or continuing therapy without addressing them may lead to complications later on, both ethically and relationally. Ending therapy immediately could disrupt the client's progress and may not be in their best interest without considering alternative approaches to manage the situation. Consulting with the client about the feelings can also create discomfort and shift the focus away from their therapeutic needs, which could undermine the therapeutic alliance. Thus, discussing the situation with a colleague is the