28/03/2026
Why Therapists Should Not Treat Close Relatives or People They Know
As mental health professionals, therapists are guided not only by compassion—but by strict ethical standards designed to protect clients and the integrity of therapy.
One of the most important of these principles is this: therapists should not provide therapy to close relatives, friends, or individuals they already have a personal relationship with.
Here’s why 👇
1. Loss of Objectivity
Therapy requires neutrality and clinical judgment. When a therapist already knows the client personally, it becomes difficult to remain unbiased. Pre-existing emotions, assumptions, or loyalties can unconsciously influence assessment, diagnosis, and treatment decisions.
2. Boundary Violations (Dual Relationships)
Professional ethical guidelines (APA, BACP, ACA) strongly caution against dual relationships—where a therapist has both a personal and professional role with the same individual. These overlapping roles can blur boundaries, create confusion, and increase the risk of harm.
3. Power Imbalance & Emotional Complexity
Therapy involves a structured power dynamic. When combined with a personal relationship (e.g., family or friendship), this imbalance becomes more complicated—potentially leading to guilt, pressure, or inhibited disclosure from the client.
4. Confidentiality Challenges
Maintaining confidentiality becomes significantly harder when social or family systems overlap. There may be implicit expectations, accidental disclosures, or pressure from others in the shared environment.
5. Impact on Therapeutic Effectiveness
Clients may hold back, filter their thoughts, or avoid discussing sensitive issues—especially if they involve the therapist or shared relationships. This limits the depth and effectiveness of therapy.
6. Risk of Harm to Both Relationship and Therapy
If therapy becomes difficult or ends abruptly, it can damage both the therapeutic process and the personal relationship—leading to long-term consequences.
What Do Ethical Guidelines Say?
- APA (American Psychological Association): Avoid multiple relationships that could impair objectivity or risk exploitation.
- ACA (American Counseling Association): Counselors should avoid dual relationships that could harm the client.
- BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy): Emphasizes maintaining clear boundaries to ensure safe and effective practice.
So What Should Be Done Instead?
The most ethical and responsible approach is to refer the individual to another qualified therapist—ensuring they receive unbiased, confidential, and effective care.
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In mental health care, good intentions are not enough—ethical boundaries are essential.
Protecting clients sometimes means not being their therapist.
