What is explicitly prohibited between LPCs and their former clients?

The correct answer highlights significant ethical boundaries between Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and their former clients to maintain professionalism and protect client welfare.

Business partnerships and any form of sexual conduct are expressly prohibited to prevent conflicts of interest, exploitation, and the potential for harm. Engaging in business partnerships could blur professional boundaries, lead to dual relationships, and compromise the integrity of the counseling relationship. Sexual conduct, on the other hand, poses a serious ethical violation, as former clients may still be vulnerable due to the power differential established during the therapeutic relationship.

By ensuring that both business relationships and sexual conduct are explicitly prohibited, LPCs uphold ethical standards that prioritize the well-being of clients and maintain the integrity of the counseling profession. This framework helps to protect vulnerable individuals and fosters trust in therapeutic settings, reinforcing the professional conduct expected of LPCs.