Under what circumstance are LPCs prohibited from counseling a person?

The correct answer encompasses both the prohibition of counseling a person with whom the counselor has had any prior sexual conduct or close personal relationships, as well as situations where there is a possibility of exploitation.

In the context of licensed professional counselors (LPCs), ethical guidelines are established to maintain professional boundaries and to protect clients from potential harm. Having prior sexual conduct or close personal relationships can create a conflict of interest, as the counselor may not be able to provide objective support or maintain the necessary professional distance required for effective therapy. This is rooted in the principle of avoiding dual relationships, which can compromise the counselor's ability to act in the best interest of the client.

Additionally, the possibility of exploitation presents another critical ethical concern. LPCs have a responsibility to ensure that their relationships with clients do not take advantage of the power differential inherent in the counseling relationship. If there's a potential for exploitation—whether due to emotional vulnerability, financial manipulation, or other factors—the LPC should refrain from counseling to ensure the client's welfare and protect them from harm.

By prohibiting counseling in these scenarios, ethical standards aim to safeguard the integrity of the counseling profession, promote trust in the therapeutic relationship, and ultimately ensure that clients receive competent and unbiased care. This is why the combination of