dual relationship
in a therapeutic context, a situation in which a psychologist has more than one type of relationship with a client:The psychologist (a) is concurrently in both a professional role and another role with the same client, (b) is concurrently in a relationship with a person closely associated with or related to the client, or (c) promises to enter into another relationship in the future with the client or a person closely associated with or related to the client. Psychologists are ethically expected to refrain from entering into a dual relationship because it might impair their objectivity, competence, or effectiveness in performing their functions as a psychologist or exploit or harm the client with whom the professional relationship exists. Also called multiple relationship.