ACA Code of Ethics on Supervisor/Supervisee Dual Relationships

The American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics states that counselors should avoid dual relationships with clients and supervisees. This is because dual relationships can create a conflict of interest and make it difficult for the counselor to be objective and maintain the supervisee’s confidentiality.

The ACA code of ethics specifically prohibits counselors from engaging in counseling relationships with supervisees, current or former clients, or the close relatives of clients. The code also states that counselors should avoid having other non-professional relationships with supervisees that could impair the supervisory relationship, such as social or financial relationships.

Scenario: Supervisor Asked to Provide Counseling for Supervisee

If a supervisor is asked to provide counseling for a supervisee, the supervisor should refuse. There are a number of reasons for this:

• Conflict of interest: The supervisor has a responsibility to evaluate the supervisee’s performance and provide feedback. If the supervisor is also providing counseling to the supervisee, it may be difficult for the supervisor to be objective and provide fair and unbiased feedback.
• Impaired judgment: The supervisor may be less likely to be able to maintain the supervisee’s confidentiality if they are also providing counseling. This is because the supervisor may feel a sense of loyalty to the supervisee as a client.
• Harm to the supervisee: Dual relationships can be harmful to supervisees. Supervisees may feel pressured to please their supervisor in order to avoid negative consequences in the supervisory relationship. This can create an unhealthy dynamic and make it difficult for the supervisee to grow and develop professionally.

Questions to Consider

If a supervisor is ever unsure whether or not a particular dual relationship is ethical, they should ask themselves the following questions:

• Will the dual relationship create a conflict of interest?
• Will it be difficult for me to maintain my objectivity and professionalism?
• Will it be difficult for me to maintain the supervisee’s confidentiality?
• Could the dual relationship harm the supervisee?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then the supervisor should avoid the dual relationship.

Sound Ethical Decision-Making

When making ethical decisions, it is important to consider the following factors:

• The ACA Code of Ethics: The ACA Code of Ethics provides a framework for making ethical decisions in counseling practice.
• The potential for harm: Counselors should always strive to minimize the potential for harm to their clients and supervisees.
• The consequences of the decision: Counselors should consider the potential consequences of their decisions for themselves, their clients, and their supervisees.
• Consultation with other professionals: Counselors can consult with other professionals, such as experienced supervisors or ethics experts, to get guidance on ethical decision-making.

Conclusion

In the scenario of a supervisor being asked to provide counseling for a supervisee, the supervisor should refuse. Dual relationships between supervisors and supervisees can create a conflict of interest, impair the supervisor’s judgment, and harm the supervisee. When making ethical decisions, counselors should consider the ACA Code of Ethics, the potential for harm, the consequences of the decision, and consultation with other professionals.