How to resolve issues related to boundaries and multiple relationships

by | Mar 11, 2025 | Economics

 

● Describe how to resolve issues related to boundaries and multiple relationships and ways to prevent such issues from becoming ethical dilemmas.
● Define boundaries and multiple relationships in counseling.
● Define competence in an area of the practice of psychology.
● Identify when and why it is important to consult with another professional.
● Determine what is ethical to disclose to other professionals.

Sample solution

Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell. 

In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.


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God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.

Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.

To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.

 

References

Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.

Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.

Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.

Defining Boundaries and Multiple Relationships in Counseling:

  • Boundaries:
    • In a therapeutic context, boundaries are the professional parameters that create a safe and predictable space for the client. They define the limits of the therapeutic relationship, ensuring it remains focused on the client’s well-being. Boundaries can be physical (e.g., location of sessions), emotional (e.g., avoiding personal disclosure), and professional (e.g., limits on communication).
  • Multiple Relationships:
    • A multiple relationship (also known as a dual relationship) occurs when a therapist engages in a professional role with a person and simultaneously engages in another role with the same person, or with someone closely associated with that person. Examples include:
      • Social relationships (e.g., becoming friends with a client).
      • Business relationships (e.g., hiring a client for work).
      • Sexual or romantic relationships.
      • Providing therapy to family members, or friends.

Defining Boundaries and Multiple Relationships in Counseling:

  • Boundaries:
    • In a therapeutic context, boundaries are the professional parameters that create a safe and predictable space for the client. They define the limits of the therapeutic relationship, ensuring it remains focused on the client’s well-being. Boundaries can be physical (e.g., location of sessions), emotional (e.g., avoiding personal disclosure), and professional (e.g., limits on communication).
  • Multiple Relationships:
    • A multiple relationship (also known as a dual relationship) occurs when a therapist engages in a professional role with a person and simultaneously engages in another role with the same person, or with someone closely associated with that person. Examples include:
      • Social relationships (e.g., becoming friends with a client).
      • Business relationships (e.g., hiring a client for work).
      • Sexual or romantic relationships.
      • Providing therapy to family members, or friends.

Resolving Issues Related to Boundaries and Multiple Relationships and Prevention:

  • Resolution Strategies:
    • Awareness: Remain vigilant for potential boundary crossings or multiple relationships.
    • Consultation: Seek guidance from supervisors or colleagues when facing ethical dilemmas.
    • Documentation: Maintain thorough and accurate records of all interactions and decisions.
    • Client Communication: Openly discuss boundary concerns with the client, ensuring their understanding and consent.
    • Termination: If a multiple relationship is unavoidable or harmful, consider terminating the therapeutic relationship and providing appropriate referrals.
  • Prevention Strategies:
    • Clear Policies: Establish and adhere to clear policies regarding boundaries and multiple relationships.
    • Informed Consent: Discuss boundaries and potential risks with clients at the outset of therapy.
    • Self-Reflection: Regularly examine personal values, needs, and potential biases.
    • Professional Development: Participate in ongoing training on ethical practice and boundary maintenance.
    • Avoidance: The best way to deal with multiple relationships, is to avoid them all together.

3. Defining Competence in Psychology:

  • Competence in an area of psychological practice refers to the possession of the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, and judgment to provide effective and ethical services. It encompasses:
    • Education and Training: Completion of relevant academic programs and supervised clinical experience.
    • Knowledge of Current Research: Staying abreast of the latest developments in the field.
    • Clinical Skills: Proficiency in assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and evaluation.
    • Ethical Awareness: Understanding and adhering to professional ethical codes.
    • Cultural Competence: Sensitivity to and respect for diverse cultural backgrounds.
    • Self-Awareness: Understanding personal limitations and biases.

4. When and Why to Consult with Another Professional:

  • When:
    • When facing an ethical dilemma or uncertainty.
    • When dealing with complex or challenging cases.
    • When experiencing personal or professional difficulties that may impact practice.
    • When dealing with a client that is outside of your scope of practice.
    • When considering a boundary crossing.
  • Why:
    • To gain different perspectives and insights.
    • To ensure ethical and legal compliance.
    • To enhance professional development.
    • To prevent burnout and maintain well-being.
    • To ensure the client is receiving the best possible care.

5. Ethical Disclosure to Other Professionals:

  • Disclosures to other professionals should be limited to information that is necessary for the purpose of the consultation or referral.
  • Maintain client confidentiality, disclosing only information with the client’s informed consent or as required by law (e.g., mandated reporting).
  • When consulting, focus on the clinical or ethical issue, avoiding unnecessary personal details about the client.
  • Document all disclosures and consultations.
  • Be aware of HIPAA and state laws regarding disclosure of information.
  • Only disclose what is needed for the other professional to provide adequate consultation.

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