Texas LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) Jurisprudence Exam

Sexual exploitation does NOT mean...

1. Obtaining information about a client's sexual history within standard accepted practice while treating a sexual relationship dysfunction

2. Sexual contact that is consensual and not detrimental to the client

3. Offering appropriate physical contact to comfort a distressed client

4. Engaging in a romantic relationship with a former client after an appropriate time period

The correct answer is: Offering appropriate physical contact to comfort a distressed client

The correct answer is that sexual exploitation does NOT mean offering appropriate physical contact to comfort a distressed client. In therapeutic contexts, providing comfort through appropriate physical contact can be a part of standard practice, particularly in certain modalities that use touch as a therapeutic tool, as long as it is done ethically, consensually, and with the client's well-being in mind. It's important to differentiate this from actions that would constitute sexual exploitation, which usually involve an abuse of power and a violation of professional boundaries, such as engaging in sexual relationships with clients or using therapy for personal gain. The concept of “appropriate” and “comforting” physical contact is tightly regulated, and when conducted under ethical guidelines, it does not equate to sexual exploitation. In contrast, other choices involve scenarios that can lead to violations of ethical standards. For example, obtaining intimate details about a client’s sexual history can be critical for therapeutic reasons, but the context and intent must always align with client welfare and professional ethics. Similarly, consensual sexual contact can inherently create a conflict of interest and a power imbalance, and engaging romantically with former clients is typically viewed as unethical due to the potential for lingering influence. Thus, understanding appropriate boundaries is key to preventing sexual exploitation in counseling.