Multiple relationships encountered by lesbian and bisexual psychotherapists: How close is too close?

Abstract

There is consensus that sexual relationships with clients are unethical; however, there is ongoing debate regarding nonsexual multiple relationships. Rural psychologists report especially high incidences of multiple relationships, and several authors have suggested that lesbian and bisexual psychologists may be faced with similarly frequent and complicated multiple relationships due to the small size of those communities. Fifty-two lesbian and bisexual psychotherapists (45 of them psychologists) described 109 critical incidents involving either multiple relationships or decisions involving potential relationships. From these responses, we documented multiple relationships encountered by lesbian and bisexual women psychotherapists, considerations these clinicians used in deciding whether to take on multiple roles, and strategies they used to either prevent or cope with nonsexual multiple relationships.

An Exploration of Boundaries and Solidarity in Counseling Relationships

“…For instance, in Graham and Liddle's (2009) research, gay and lesbian psychotherapists described incidental social contact, preexisting connections, work or service overlaps, and third-party linkages as potentially problematic dual issues arising from practicing within a small community. There is not much discussion or research on where these boundaries are actually located in the first place when working within small communities.…”

Concept analysis: lack of anonymity

“…, Veletsianos & Kimmons ). In managing the boundaries, a professional may choose to cross a personal or professional boundary to affect a positive outcome and demonstrate support for others (Alexander & Charles , Graham & Liddle , MacConnell et al . ).…”

“…). Several strategies commonly used to maintain boundaries, include: isolation used to create distance, limiting group participation and setting clear boundary expectations (Graham & Liddle , Gillespie & Redivo , Brocious et al . ).…”

“…The updated analysis reveals a new attribute of lack of anonymity–interconnectedness in a community (Graham & Liddle , Miedema et al . , Brocious et al .…”

“…The overlap of the personal and professional life occurs in a diminished perimeter results in the blurring of boundaries (Lee 1998). The individual reaction to the blurring of personal and professional boundaries varies from individual to individual (Graham & Liddle 2009, Halverson & Brownlee 2010. For example, a rural nurse practitioner may experience patients having high access to both the personal and professional aspects of their life.…”