If an administrative assistant seeks your advice in a casual setting, what is the appropriate action?

• A. Provide thorough therapeutic advice
• B. Give general advice while clarifying you are not creating a therapeutic relationship
• C. Refuse to engage in the conversation
• D. Encourage her to seek the help of a professional therapist

Answer: (B)

Providing general advice while clarifying that you are not creating a therapeutic relationship is the appropriate course of action in this scenario. This approach allows you to address the administrative assistant's inquiry in a respectful and professional manner, which is particularly important given your role as a licensed professional clinical counselor. It acknowledges that while you may have expertise, the context of your relationship is not therapeutic, and therefore, you do not hold the same ethical obligations that arise within a formal counseling relationship.

By emphasizing the distinction between casual conversation and a therapeutic relationship, you establish clear boundaries. This is crucial for maintaining professionalism and ensuring that the administrative assistant understands the limitations of your discussion. It also helps to prevent any misunderstandings about the nature of the interaction or potential dependency that could arise from providing more in-depth advice.

In contrast, providing thorough therapeutic advice would likely cross ethical boundaries by implying that a formal counseling relationship exists, which could lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations of your role. Refusing to engage in conversation goes against the idea of supporting individuals within your professional capacity unless it is inappropriate; however, in this setting, guidance can be given as long as it is appropriately framed. Encouraging the individual to seek help from a professional therapist could be a suitable option in different