Professional Boundaries & Dual Relationships Policy

National Alliance of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (NACP)
Effective: January 2025

1. Purpose

This policy outlines the ethical and professional responsibilities of NACP members in managing boundaries and dual or multiple relationships. Maintaining clear boundaries is essential to client safety, therapeutic effectiveness, and the integrity of the counselling and psychotherapy profession.

All NACP members are expected to protect the therapeutic space from conflicts of interest, emotional entanglement, and power imbalances — whether real or perceived.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all NACP members in therapeutic, supervisory, or related roles and includes both in-person and remote work. It covers:

  • Relationships with clients (current, former, or potential)
  • Relationships with supervisees and students
  • Professional and social relationships that may cross into dual roles
  • Interactions within online or small community contexts

3. What Are Professional Boundaries?

Professional boundaries are the limits that protect the client–practitioner relationship, ensuring that it remains safe, focused, and therapeutic. They define:

  • The roles of each participant
  • The emotional, physical, and psychological distance required
  • The timing, location, and communication methods used
  • The appropriate use of self-disclosure, touch, gifts, or social contact

Members must always act to prioritise the client’s wellbeing and avoid using the relationship for personal, emotional, or financial gain.

4. What Is a Dual Relationship?

A dual or multiple relationship occurs when a therapist or professional engages with a client in another role that may conflict with or influence the therapeutic dynamic. Examples include:

  • Personal friendships or romantic relationships
  • Business or financial relationships
  • Family, community, or social connections
  • Dual roles as therapist and supervisor, teacher, or employer

Dual relationships may be unavoidable in small communities or specialist settings — in such cases, additional care, transparency, and supervision are required.

5. Expectations for NACP Members

All NACP members must:

  • Avoid entering into dual relationships that could impair professional judgment, create a conflict of interest, or cause harm
  • Not begin personal, romantic, or sexual relationships with current clients or supervisees under any circumstances
  • Avoid socialising with clients outside of sessions unless incidental and unavoidable
  • Avoid providing services to close friends, family members, or individuals where emotional objectivity is compromised
  • Maintain a clear, contracted ending to therapeutic relationships before considering any other form of contact
  • Be especially mindful of online and social media interactions — avoid connecting with clients on personal platforms and ensure professional boundaries are maintained in digital communication

6. Former Clients

Relationships with former clients should also be approached with caution. Members must:

  • Consider the power imbalance and therapeutic residue that may remain
  • Allow sufficient time and reflection after ending therapy
  • Seek supervision or consult with a peer before entering any non-therapeutic relationship with a former client
  • Be aware that engaging in a personal or romantic relationship with a former client may still be unethical or harmful, depending on context and timing

7. Social Media & Online Contexts

In addition to our separate Digital Communications Policy, members must:

  • Refrain from “friending” or following clients on personal accounts
  • Avoid commenting on or engaging with client content online
  • Use professional accounts to share resources and maintain boundaries
  • Manage online visibility carefully and use privacy settings to prevent boundary breaches

8. Supervision and Disclosure

When boundary issues or dual relationships arise or are anticipated, members must:

  • Discuss the situation in supervision at the earliest opportunity
  • Take proactive steps to protect the client’s welfare and manage risk
  • Be transparent with clients, documenting discussions and any changes to the working agreement
  • Be prepared to refer on or end the therapeutic relationship if boundaries are compromised

9. Breaches and Consequences

Breaches of this policy may result in investigation under the NACP Complaints and Disciplinary Procedure. Serious breaches (e.g. sexual or exploitative relationships) may lead to:

  • Suspension or revocation of membership
  • Referral to legal or safeguarding authorities
  • Notification to other professional bodies or employers

10. Review and Clarification

This policy is reviewed annually or in response to new guidance, legal changes, or incidents. Members unsure about a potential boundary issue are encouraged to seek guidance through supervision or by contacting the NACP directly.

📩 Contact

For support, clarification, or to report a concern:
📧 info@nacp.co.uk
🔗 www.nacp.co.uk