Boundaries, Multiple Relationships, and Professional Conduct
Multiple relationships
Avoid entering a second relationship-social, financial, familial, or romantic-that could impair objectivity or exploit the client. Sexual relationships with current clients are prohibited. With former clients, a sexual relationship is ethically risky and generally requires at least two years plus a careful review of harm; Kentucky may treat such conduct as unprofessional.
Boundary management
Limit self-disclosure to what serves treatment. Gifts, bartering, home-based sessions, and social media contact require clear reasoning and documentation. In small communities, unavoidable overlaps call for proactive discussion, not denial.
Professional conduct
Be honest in reports and billing, comply with law, avoid practicing while impaired, and cooperate with Board inquiries. Exploiting supervisees or students, falsifying records, and abandoning clients are disciplinary grounds.
Worked example
A client asks the psychologist to be maid of honor at her wedding. Accepting would create a dual role and likely impair objectivity. The psychologist declines, explains the ethical boundary, explores the meaning of the request in treatment, documents the discussion, and considers referral if the alliance is damaged.
Traps
Believing only sexual relationships are prohibited; treating friends or family; using a "small town" excuse for boundary drift; accepting large gifts without analysis.