Quote:
Originally Posted by Keegan2015
Isn't there a "statute of limitations" on the therapist-client relationship once its ended? I think I learned in college that after 2 years (or something like that) it isn't considered an ethical violation for a former therapist and former client to date.
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A statue of limitations is not to be confused with the required wait period after therapy termination after which a therapist is allowed to engage in another type of relationship with a client. In different states this wait period is different. In CA where I reside it's 2 years.
A statue of limitation is a completely different thing. It applies to a time period during which a client can file a lawsuit against a therapist or can report a therapist to the board. In CA, as far as I remember, a statue of limitations for filing a lawsuit is 1 year, for filing a complaint with the board - 7 years.
The above law about the wait period simply defines what is or isn't legal, not what is or isn't morally right and ethically appropriate. There is a common belief among professionals that the wait period doesn't make sense and that romantic engagement with clients shouldn't be allowed no matter how much time has passed since therapy termination. I share this belief as well.