A social worker needs your help with an ethical dilemma. Watch the interview and prepare to respond to what you observe.
So I’ve been single for the last two years. I mean, honestly, the way things ended up with my ex, I was more than happy to be alone for a while. But that’s another story.
The point is, I wasn’t in a mad rush to find a new relationship. I dated here and there but nothing serious, and it was fine with me. I never really needed a partner to feel fulfilled, and I was getting by great on my own. You know, I was settled in.
But, all of a sudden, there was Steven. It was totally by chance. We were at a friend’s housewarming party. And I hate to admit this, but, if you know what I mean– I’m not a fan of cliches– but it was all of them at once. It was really something out of a romantic comedy.
We were both reaching for a drink from the cooler at the same time and literally bumped heads. I know, it sounds corny. I can’t even believe it happened. But we started talking, and it turns out that we have a ton in common.
I’m usually cautious about meeting new guys. But, you know, some friends vouched for him. Anyway, we started going out. Nothing major.
Pretty soon, we were dating. We were having so much fun together. And, after a couple of months, I started to develop real feelings for him.
So last night I went to his place. Don’t– don’t go there. It’s not that kind of story. [LAUGHS] Anyway, I’ll make a long story short.
I’m looking at these family pictures he’s got on the wall. OK? In his entryway, there’s like four or five of them. And I see this girl I know. And it’s one of my new clients, and I’ve been seeing her for about like month, and it’s going really good, and I feel like we have a genuine connection, and I think I can really help her.
So I asked Steven about her, like, hoping it was like some miscommunication or something. But, no. Worst fear confirmed. She’s his sister.
Wild coincidence, right? I may never have known if I didn’t see the pictures. She’s married and took her husband’s last name. And even if she said her brother’s name, it’s not like– well, I mean, gosh, part of me thinks that, you know, maybe– yeah, this makes sense. It feels like a real connection with both him and his sister. I don’t know. Maybe it’s something about the family, whatever.
I don’t know. Bottom line is I have a problem. And I have no idea what to do. I really, really like Steven. I’ve gone from zero to 60 super-fast. And, yeah, if you know what I mean.
He’s romantic, and considerate, and funny, and sexy. We have this deep connection. And who knows what’s going to happen with his sister? Seems like things are proceeding well now. But, you know, it’s too soon to tell how long we’ll work together. It could be short-term, but it could also become an ongoing situation.
The one thing I know is that I’m not comfortable seeing Steven and counseling his sister. It’s unethical definitely for me. I don’t think I can keep it a secret from her, of course. And if I tell her I’m seeing her brother, it’s definitely going to affect our relationship. I don’t know if she’ll trust me anymore. And how could we manage a family gathering?
Or am I making too big of a deal out of this? No, I don’t think I am, no. I started dating him first and then seeing her later. So that enters into my decision of what do I do. Dating Steven makes me really happy, and so does helping his sister. But I can’t do both. Can I?
What would you do?
Please respond by making a post advising the social worker in this scene about what you think they should do and why. Explain your ethical reasoning for the opinion you are giving.