If a treatment client asks a counselor to be their twelve-step sponsor, what is the recommended response?

When a treatment client asks a counselor to be their twelve-step sponsor, the recommended response is to decline the request in order to prevent potential conflicts of interest. This stance prioritizes the ethical obligation of the counselor to maintain professional boundaries and avoid dual relationships that could compromise the therapeutic process.

In a counseling relationship, the counselor's role is to provide support, guidance, and professional expertise, while a sponsor in a twelve-step program acts in a peer support capacity. Accepting the role of a sponsor could blur the lines between these two distinct roles, making it difficult for the counselor to provide impartial help and increasing the risk of favoritism or dependency from the client. It is crucial for the counselor to maintain a clear focus on the client's therapeutic needs without being put in a position where they may need to switch roles, which can create confusion for both parties involved.

While establishing strong therapeutic relationships is important, doing so should not come at the cost of professionalism and ethical standards. Encouraging the client to find another sponsor or directing them to appropriate resources for sponsorship can ensure they receive support without compromising the therapeutic alliance.