How should clinicians approach feelings of attraction towards clients to minimize ethical risks?

Discussing feelings of attraction with supervisors or peers is the most effective approach for clinicians to minimize ethical risks. This practice promotes accountability and helps ensure that the clinician’s professional boundaries remain intact. Supervision provides an opportunity for clinicians to gain insights and strategies on managing their feelings appropriately, thus preventing any potential compromise of the therapeutic relationship.

This approach also falls within ethical guidelines that discourage acting on personal feelings towards clients, which can lead to dual relationships that threaten the integrity and effectiveness of the therapeutic process. By sharing these feelings in a professional setting, clinicians can seek guidance on how to navigate their emotions and maintain a focus on the client's best interests.

Additionally, attempting to ignore these feelings can be ineffective and may lead to increased internal conflict or boundary violations later on. Avoiding all personal interactions with clients may not be practical or necessary and could hinder the therapeutic alliance. Acting on these feelings directly is unethical and poses significant risks to both the client and the clinician's professional standing.