Social Work Commons^™

The Development Of Dual And Multiple Relationships For Social Workers In Rural Communities, Tammy Piché, Keith Brownlee, Glenn Halverson

Contemporary Rural Social Work Journal

Mental health professionals who work in small, rural communities often have to contend with dual and multiple relationships. The more integrated service providers are within the community, the more likely they will encounter overlapping personal and professional relationships with clients. Although there is extensive literature on the potential risks of dual and multiple relationships, little empirical evidence exists which addresses the contextual factors that specifically lead to these relationships in rural social work practice. This qualitative study explored the experiences of twelve social workers or social service workers practicing in northern and northwestern Ontario. Findings provide some insight into the …