OLERE Dual Relationships and Boundaries 2

Question 1

An Oklahoma LPC who lives in a rural area is asked to provide counseling to a neighbor with whom they have a friendly but non-intimate relationship. The counselor should:

Accepted Answer

Carefully evaluate the potential risks and benefits and use professional judgment, documenting the decision

Answer

Immediately refuse regardless of the circumstances

Answer

Accept because rural areas have unique access challenges that always justify dual relationships

Answer

Refer to any available provider including one located far away without evaluation

Question 2

A former client contacts an Oklahoma LPC two years after termination asking to begin a personal friendship. The counselor should:

Accepted Answer

Carefully consider the nature of the previous therapeutic relationship, power dynamics, and potential for harm before proceeding

Answer

Agree because the therapeutic relationship ended two years ago

Answer

Always refuse all personal contact with former clients without exception

Answer

Consult with a peer and then make a joint decision

Question 3

A client offers to barter professional services in exchange for counseling because they cannot afford fees. An Oklahoma counselor should:

Accepted Answer

Consider barter only if there is no potential for exploitation and it is not prohibited in their setting

Answer

Always refuse because barter is prohibited under professional ethics

Answer

Accept only cash-equivalent barter to avoid complications

Answer

Report the request to their licensing board before deciding

Question 4

An Oklahoma counselor receives a social media friend request from a current client. The most appropriate response is to:

Accepted Answer

Decline and address the request therapeutically in the next session

Answer

Accept the request to strengthen the therapeutic alliance

Answer

Ignore the request without discussing it with the client

Answer

Block the client to maintain boundaries

Question 5

A client invites their Oklahoma LPC to attend their wedding as a guest. The counselor should:

Accepted Answer

Decline and explain that maintaining professional boundaries serves the client's best interests

Answer

Attend because refusing would damage the therapeutic relationship

Answer

Attend only if the invitation is extended through the client's family

Answer

Accept if the counselor has been treating the client for more than 2 years

Question 6

Which of the following best illustrates an unavoidable dual relationship that an Oklahoma counselor should manage rather than avoid?

Accepted Answer

A counselor who is the only mental health provider in a small rural community and must serve community members they know socially

Answer

A counselor who begins a business partnership with a current client

Answer

A counselor who employs a current client as their office receptionist

Answer

A counselor who develops a romantic relationship with a former client