Your psychologist shouldnt also be your friend, client or sex partner. Thats because psychologists are supposed to avoid relationships that could impair their professional performance or harm their clients. Of course, its usually impossible for psychologists to avoid all contact with clients outside their offices.

Can a therapist have a relationship with a patient?

Your therapist should not be a close friend because that would create whats called a dual relationship, something that is unethical in therapy. For example, it is unethical for a therapist to treat a close friend or relative. It is also unethical for a therapist to have a sexual relationship with a client.

Can a therapist fall in love with a client?

Of the 585 psychologists who responded, 87% (95% of the men and 76% of the women) reported having been sexually attracted to their clients, at least on occasion. Sixty-three percent felt guilty, anxious or confused about the attraction, and about half of the respondents received no guidance or training on this issue.

Is it illegal for a therapist to date their patient?

The medical profession does not have a firm rule prohibiting all sexual relationships with former patients, nor does it have anything like the inflexible two-year rule now applicable to psychologists.