Ethics Around Client Attraction and Romantic Relationships in Therapy

Keeping healthy boundaries in therapy sounds “easy.” But in practice, doing so consistently can be extremely difficult, especially when client-therapist feelings of attraction (and other forms of transference) develop. Actively setting protective boundaries can be stressful and at times, and downright awkward as we balance this process with building a solid alliance! Providers may not always admit or discuss situations in which they may be attracted to a client or when a client may flirt with them, but romantic attraction is an involuntary emotional process that can and absolutely does sometimes occur within the therapeutic relationship. Successfully recognizing and managing these feelings and situations is vital to ensure therapy is delivered effectively and ethically. Setting professional boundaries is the cornerstone of success in all therapy relationships, and the absence of consistent boundaries is at the heart of the most common and destructive ethical violations we see.

Please join us to increase your knowledge and insight into appropriately setting ethical boundaries in challenging (sexual, romantic, and other) situations with clients. Jodi Geis-Crowder brings 26 years of experience in the field and will draw on that experience to increase your knowledge of how the behavioral health care industry is commonly reflected in our traditional media, social media, and broader culture. These influences impact expectations of clients, resulting in some unrealistic expectations regarding what therapy is and isn’t. Jodi will also provide a checklist that can be used in mandatory disclosure to artfully deploy ethical boundaries to help you manage expectations throughout the therapeutic relationship. She will share case examples to challenge your ethical decision-making and help you navigate ethical dilemmas when they arise. Finally, she will review specific diagnoses such as personality disorders and clients challenged by chronic suicidal ideation – learn ethically-informed strategies to safely work with these clients.

Agenda:

• 0:00 – 01:00: Setting ethical boundaries in therapy.
• 01:00 – 01:30: Managing transference
• 01:30 – 02:20: Ethical decision-making models
• 02:20 – 03:00: Ethical considerations

Objectives:

This training will provide participants clinical knowledge and tools to:

a). Identify three reasons why mandatory disclosure is one of the most important aspects of client care and setting the stage for healthy boundaries from the first session.

b). Define ethical client boundaries and identify at least three approaches that assist a therapist to manage clients that push boundaries while preserving the therapeutic relationship.

c). Define transference and countertransference and two approaches that you can take to manage it in a therapeutic relationship.

d). Identify two approaches to managing flirting and sexual attraction in the therapeutic relationship.

Target Audience:

Clinical Mental Health Professionals such as Counselors, Psychologists, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Licensed Clinical Social Workers.

Instructional Level: Intermediate

Instructor(s): Jodi Ann Geis-Crowder, MS, LPC, ACS

Material Author(s): Jodi Ann Geis-Crowder, MS, LPC, ACS  

Jodi Geis-Crowder is a dedicated professional with 27 years of experience in ensuring access to quality behavioral health care and substance use disorder services in rural areas of Northeast Colorado and Wyoming. She holds an Associate Degree in Education, a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, and a Master’s Degree in Counselor Education with an emphasis in Leadership from institutions in Wyoming. Jodi also holds professional counseling licenses in Colorado and Wyoming and is an Approved Clinical Supervisor through the Center for Credentialing and Education, recognized by the National Board of Certified Counselors. Jodi pioneered animal- assisted therapy and therapeutic horticulture programs at Centennial Mental Health Center and Peak Wellness Center, reflecting her commitment to culturally meaningful care in rural settings. She has held various leadership roles, including clinical supervisor and regional clinical director, and has expertise in Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), telehealth supervision, and telehealth service delivery. Jodi currently serves as a clinical supervisor and professional trainer for Volunteers of America Northern Rockies. Jodi also offers webinars, professional training consultation, and professional speaking through JGC Enterprises, LLC, focusing on Ethics, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Clinical Supervision, Telehealth, Trauma Informed Care, and the Human/Animal Bond. Passionate about art, Jodi is a professional watercolor artist and photographer, selling her work in Wyoming boutiques as a member of the Sagebrush Artisans. “I am grateful and humbled by the opportunities I have to mentor and nurture professionals on their journey. I am passionate about behavioral health care and ensuring service delivery for some of the most vulnerable in our society. My goal is to focus on solutions, hope, gratitude, identifying and instilling resilience, and finding glimmers in daily lives to facilitate positive change, individually and organizationally.”

For additional information about this course, the instructors, or the material authors, please contact Content Assistance at content@onlinececredits.com.

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