The Case of Sienna Austin is a warm and kindly counselor who
routinely embraces his clients, both male and female. One of his
clients, sienna, has had a hard life, has had no success in
maintaining relationships with men, is now approaching her 40th
birthday, and has come to him because she is afraid that she will be
alone forever. She misreads his friendly manner of greeting and
assumes that he is giving her a personal message. At the end of
one session when he gives his usual embrace, she holds onto him
and does not let go right away. Looking at him, she says: (is is
special, and I look forward to your hugs.(e is surprised and
embarrassed. He explains to her that she has misunderstood his
gesture, that this is the way he is with all of his clients, and that he is
truly sorry if he has misled her. She is crestfallen and abruptly
leaves the office. She cancels her next appointment.
•
•
—hat are your thoughts on this counseloràmanner of
touching his clients?
If Austin had asked for siennaàpermission to hug her at the
end of a session, would that have been more acceptable?
Would you feel differently if sienna had been the one to
initiate the hugs?
Was the manner in which he dealt with siennaàembrace
ethically sound?
Would you follow up with sienna about canceling her
appointment?

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