Professional Boundaries and Dual Relationships in Psychology

8 min read Last updated June 2026

Dual and multiple relationships are the defining boundary challenge in psychology — and a leading source of notifications. This guide explains what the Psychology Board’s Code of Conduct (effective December 2025) requires, how to manage multiple relationships (including in rural practice), and the safeguards that protect clients and your registration.

Key takeaways

Boundaries separate conduct aimed at the client’s needs from the psychologist’s own interests; the client is always the vulnerable party.
The Psychology Board’s Code of conduct took effect on 1 December 2025 and is enforceable under the National Law.
Under section 4.9, psychologists must avoid or discontinue multiple relationships unless ethically, legally or organisationally obliged to continue.
In rural and small communities, overlapping relationships must be anticipated, managed and documented.
Sexual relationships with clients are never acceptable, and breaches can lead to cancellation of registration.

Boundaries in the therapeutic relationship

Professional boundaries are the clear separation between conduct aimed at meeting the client’s psychological needs and the psychologist’s own views, feelings and relationships. The client is always the vulnerable party in the psychologist–client relationship, and it is the psychologist’s responsibility to recognise that power imbalance and keep the relationship professional. The Psychology Board’s Code of conduct (in effect from 1 December 2025) makes these expectations explicit and enforceable.

Multiple relationships

A multiple relationship exists where a psychologist holds another role with a client alongside the professional one — for example supervising a provisional psychologist while also being their manager, or treating someone who is also a friend, colleague or business contact. Under the Code (section 4.9), psychologists must avoid or discontinue multiple relationships unless they hold a reasonable belief that they are ethically, legally or organisationally obliged to continue — and where they do continue, they must follow the effective-practice steps the Code sets out.

Rural and small-community practice

In rural and remote settings, overlapping relationships can be almost unavoidable — you may see clients at the school, the shops or the sports club. The Code does not pretend otherwise; it expects you to anticipate these situations, manage them thoughtfully, and document both the multiple relationship and any supervision or peer consultation you sought about it.

Practical safeguards

Screen for pre-existing relationships before accepting a client.
Where coaching and therapy might overlap, keep them separate — separate agreements, fees and confidentiality terms — and never offer coaching to a current therapy client.
Use supervision and peer consultation to test your objectivity, and record it.
Where a relationship compromises objectivity, refer on and manage the transition safely.

When boundaries are breached

Breaching boundaries may amount to unprofessional conduct or professional misconduct, with outcomes from a caution or conditions to referral to a tribunal that can cancel registration. Sexual relationships with clients are never acceptable. If you are facing a concern, our guide to Psychology Board complaints explains what to expect.

Related CPD courses

Strengthen the boundary judgement this article describes with CPD for Australian practitioners:

CPD courseEthical Boundaries with Patients and Colleagues CPD courseProfessional Boundaries Course CPD courseProfessionalism and Professional Standards for Psychologists CPD courseEthics and Ethical Standards for Psychologists

Continue the Psychology Board series

Complaints and Notifications Explained Confidentiality and Record Keeping for Psychologists

Frequently asked questions

What is a multiple relationship in psychology?

Where a psychologist holds another role with a client alongside the professional one — for example treating a friend, colleague or business contact, or supervising someone they also manage.

Does the Code ban all dual relationships?

It requires psychologists to avoid or discontinue multiple relationships unless reasonably, ethically, legally or organisationally obliged to continue — and to follow the Code's effective-practice steps where they do.

How do I manage overlapping relationships in a small town?

Anticipate them, manage them thoughtfully, seek supervision or peer consultation, and document both the relationship and the advice you sought.

Can I offer coaching to a therapy client?

No. Coaching should never be offered to a current therapy client, as it creates a dual relationship and risks impaired objectivity and confidentiality.

What happens if a boundary is breached?

It may amount to unprofessional conduct or professional misconduct, with outcomes from a caution or conditions to referral to a tribunal; sexual relationships with clients are never acceptable.

This article is general information for education and CPD purposes. It is not legal advice and does not create a practitioner–adviser relationship. If you have received a notification, seek advice from your professional indemnity insurer, your union or professional association, or an independent lawyer experienced in health practitioner regulation. Healthcare Ethics Courses is an independent education provider and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of Ahpra or any National Board; regulator names are used for reference only.