The concept you're referring to is known as "dual relationship" or "dual role," where one person holds multiple roles in a client's life, potentially creating conflicts of interest or ethical concerns. In the context you've described, it involves your boss providing supervision to your therapist, which means your boss would be in a position of overseeing and guiding your therapist's professional work.
In general, it is considered ethically inappropriate for a client's therapist to have a dual relationship with a person who holds authority over the client, such as a boss or employer. The reason for this is to ensure the therapeutic relationship remains impartial, confidential, and focused solely on the well-being of the client.
Here are some reasons why it's considered unethical:
Confidentiality: Therapy relies on a foundation of trust and confidentiality. If the therapist's supervisor is the client's boss, there may be concerns about breaches of confidentiality or the potential for information to be shared inappropriately.
Power dynamics: A power imbalance can arise when a person in a supervisory or authoritative role is involved in the therapist-client relationship. This can compromise the client's ability to be open and honest in therapy, as they may fear potential consequences in their workplace.
Objectivity and professional judgment: Having a dual relationship can make it challenging for the therapist to maintain objectivity and unbiased professional judgment. This could impact the quality of therapy and the therapist's ability to advocate solely for the client's best interests.
Informed consent: Dual relationships need to be explicitly discussed with clients and require informed consent. However, obtaining valid informed consent for this type of arrangement might be difficult due to the inherent power dynamics involved.
For these reasons, most professional therapy associations and licensing boards have guidelines and ethical codes that explicitly discourage therapists from having dual relationships with their clients, particularly if it involves individuals who hold positions of authority or power over the client.
If you suspect that your therapist's supervision is provided by your boss or someone in a similar position, it's essential to address your concerns with the therapist or consider seeking therapy from a different provider who doesn't have such a connection. Your well-being and the integrity of the therapeutic relationship should always be a top priority.