[jj2200]

What does California state law say about an MFT dating a client's ex boyfriend or girlfriend? What if the MFT starts dating someone and finds out later that the person they're with was previously dating a current client? If the client finds out and takes legal action what can be done to protect the MFT if they had no idea that such a predicament had occurred?

[shezbut]

I have no idea about Ca. laws. After all, laws can be pretty screwy sometimes!

I would think that the MFT would be safe if they hadn't ever met or seen the client's ex that they're now seeing. Talking with an attorney to make sure how they can protect themselves would be the best bet.

[krisakira]

I do not know CA laws, but would imagine no such law exists. There are boundary rules between a T and a client, but probably not about an ex... If you feel uncomfortable you really need to talk to the T about the situation. If you feel like it won't work out with being with that T since they are dating your ex, then I'm sure they can handle it professionally and refer you to another T, perhaps in the same place. But first and foremost, this needs to be addressed to your T if it is bothering you so much.

However, there are specific laws that prohibit your T to talk about you to the ex.

[Perna]

There are no laws saying anyone can/cannot date anyone else. Therapist organizations have rules about client contact but that's just to be licensed and belong to that organization and is to protect the client and therapist, both. A client could sue a therapist if a relationship went bad but if the person was never a client of the therapist, there's nothing there that is a problem.