Why should counselors avoid nonprofessional relationships with former clients?

Counselors should avoid nonprofessional relationships with former clients primarily to prevent potential harm to the client. The counseling relationship is built on trust, confidentiality, and a power differential that can create vulnerabilities. Engaging in a personal relationship with a former client can blur professional boundaries and may lead to unintended emotional, psychological, or social harm. Such a relationship could compromise the client's well-being and recovery process, as the dynamics of the initial counseling relationship may not fully dissipate even after formal services have ended.

The principles outlined in the ACA Code of Ethics emphasize the importance of maintaining appropriate boundaries to protect clients from potential exploitation or emotional distress that could arise from nonprofessional interactions. Therefore, refraining from these relationships safeguards the integrity of the counseling profession and prioritizes the client's health and safety above personal interests.