What type of dual relationship is specifically prohibited by the ACA Code of Ethics?

The ACA Code of Ethics specifically prohibits sexual relationships between a client and a counselor due to the inherent power imbalance that exists in the therapeutic relationship. Counselors hold a position of trust, and engaging in a sexual relationship can blur the boundaries crucial for effective therapy. This prohibition is grounded in the principle that professional relationships should be based on a commitment to the welfare of the client, ensuring that clients feel safe and supported in their therapeutic environment.

Engaging in a sexual relationship not only risks the integrity of the therapeutic process but also poses ethical and legal challenges for the counselor, including the potential for exploitation or harm, which is why this type of dual relationship is explicitly prohibited. Other types of dual relationships, while they may pose ethical dilemmas and require careful management, do not carry the same level of prohibition due to the unique and critical concerns that arise in sexual relationships within a counseling context.