Texas LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) Jurisprudence Exam

True or false? It is NOT a defense if the sexual contact, sexual exploitation, or therapeutic deception with the person occurred with consent, outside the professional counseling sessions or off the premises regularly used for professionally counseling sessions.

1. True

2. False

3. Depends on the circumstances

4. Varies by state regulations

The correct answer is: True

The statement is true because the ethical guidelines and legal framework governing licensed professional counselors in Texas clearly emphasize the importance of maintaining professional boundaries. Even if sexual contact, exploitation, or deception occurs with consent and outside the therapy sessions or premises, it does not negate the unethical nature of these actions. Consent in a therapeutic relationship is inherently problematic, as power dynamics and the nature of the therapist-client relationship make the idea of genuinely informed consent questionable. The integrity of the therapeutic process relies heavily on the counselor's ability to maintain appropriate boundaries, and any breach of those boundaries can lead to significant ethical violations and legal consequences, regardless of consent or location. In essence, the protective measures put in place by the Texas LPC regulations are designed to safeguard the client and uphold the professional standards of the counseling practice, making it clear that such circumstances do not provide valid defenses against accusations of unethical behavior.