According to the APA Ethics Code, what does it mean to forbid multiple relationships in a therapeutic context?

• A. It means that therapists cannot use multiple therapeutic techniques during sessions.
• B. It means that therapists are not allowed to treat more than one client at a time.
• C. It means that a therapist should not engage in any other relationship with a client outside of the professional therapeutic relationship, such as being a friend, business partner, or family member.
• D. It means that therapists must refer clients to other professionals if they have more than one diagnosis.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the APA Ethics Code addresses multiple relationships to protect the integrity of the therapeutic relationship and avoid conflicts of interest or harm to the client.
2. Recognize that 'multiple relationships' refer to situations where a therapist has both a professional relationship and another significant relationship (e.g., friendship, business, family) with the same client.
3. Note that the ethical concern is that these additional relationships can impair the therapist's objectivity, competence, or effectiveness, and may exploit or harm the client.
4. Identify that forbidding multiple relationships means therapists should avoid engaging in any non-professional relationships with clients to maintain clear boundaries and professional standards.
5. Conclude that this rule does not refer to using multiple therapeutic techniques, treating multiple clients simultaneously, or referring clients based on diagnoses, but specifically to avoiding dual relationships outside therapy.