What are Angelinaís options at this point and what might the consequences be for each?

Question

Social worker Angelina Pettit enjoyed practicing in a faith-based agency, where she found deep personal meaning in her work with clients. However, the work was complicated by the agencyís integral connections with her church. Her husband, Philip, a group leader in their church, invited Jacob and Raymond, two single men in his group and the church who were also Angelinaís clients, to their home for Christmas dinner. Angelina generally felt successful in managing her dual relationships, but it seemed this situation was hitting ìtoo close to home.î Their coming to dinner could challenge her sense of professionalism regarding dual relationships. But, she felt compelled to follow her faith and belief that individuals should not be alone during the Christmas season, and that celebrating community and being loved within the church family was important.

Answer 1

Angelina could ask Philip to cancel the dinner invitation he extended to her clients, or she may share with her clients that her professional standards of practice discourage such informal and intimate activities. This decision seems to be one that will lead to the worst conclusion. Professionally, Angelina does what social workers are encouraged to do by the NASW Code of Ethicsónot cultivate dual relationships. Canceling the invitation may compromise Angelinaís and Philipís faith practice of having singles over from church who would otherwise be alone during Christmas. Also, her therapeutic role and Philipís leadership role might be damaged by this action.
Angelina could work with Philip on setting an agenda for conversation when Raymond and Jacob come over for Christmas dinner. They might specifically guide the conversation away from their work with Angelina at IMH or topics of discussion that occur during the fellowship group. Angelinaís clients might find this intimate interaction helpful in the process of healing or reentry into the community. However, it is possible that their visit might result in the beginning of an unhealthy dependence within the professional and personal relationships.
While at IMH and prior to the dinner, Angelina could sit with Raymond and Jacob and discuss what conversation might sound like around the table. Angelina and her clients could role-play a conversation to make sure that sensitive topics related to their work together at IMH will not be mentioned. When and if these topics are mentioned, all three would be responsible for changing the direction of the conversation. The outcome might be quite positive, as her clients would experience managing dual relationships as well.