On one of my coaching calls the other day a woman confided that her husband was having an “inappropriate” relationship with his therapist. The therapist (a female) was having lunch with him, inviting him to activities, inviting him over to her house and was sending emails that were talked about her fondness for him.

My client suspected much more was going on, although she did not have proof.

Each therapeutic community (I am licensed by the state of Michigan as a Marriage and Family Therapist and also am a Certified Social worker in the state of Michigan) has a code or set of ethics that prohibits what’s called “dual relationships.”

Tight, effective “boundaries” must be set by the therapist to protect the client, who in most cases is vulnerable. As well, the therapist, whether s/he admits or not is in an one-up position of power. That power is NOT to be abused.

I suggested to my client that she call the agency for which this therapist worked (a Christian agency by the way, where frequently boundaries are problematic and ignored in the guise of “helping” someone) and present what she knew of the relationship and express her concerns. I also suggested she inform them that she might take the information to the appropriate licensing agency.

“Inappropriate” therapist-client relationships are not to be tolerated.