What are dual relationships and why are they avoided?

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Boundaries are essential to protect safety, objectivity, and trust in the helping relationship. Dual relationships happen when the same client has more than one role with the provider—for example, being a friend, business partner, or someone who provides another service in addition to the coaching relationship. These multiple roles create conflicts of interest, power imbalances, and opportunities for bias or harm, such as impaired judgment, confidentiality breaches, or pressures on the client. Because of these risks, dual relationships are avoided or, if they cannot be avoided, carefully managed through clear limits, documentation, supervision, and, when needed, referral to another professional. In contrast, simply having the coach consult with another clinician is a normal part of care, and maintaining a single professional role with a client is the goal.