Question about ethical dilemma, dual therapeutic relationship

Greetings all,

I had a client I saw weekly for couples counseling for about 6 months. We met the goals for therapy, which was to help identify if the relationship was going to progress or terminate. It ended. The three of us for another 1 month or so to help them maintain their friendship after the end of the romantic relationship.

One of the couples requested that I remain as their therapist for individual counseling after we terminated couples treatment. I informed them that if they wanted to do that, we’d have to wait a while to provide some distance to couples counseling.

6 months later (which is this week), they reached back out asking if we could begin individual therapy. We had a good rapport, good understanding, and work well together. I’m autistic and have great ability to keep things compartmentalized, and I can absolutely clearly communicate effectively with the client about possible unidentified bias within either of us, etc.

So. Would it be wrong (either legally in CO or ethically) for me to begin individual therapy with this client? I believe I can do it well clinically-speaking, but “you don’t know what you don’t know,” and I don’t know if it’s a Hard No to see a client after 6 months in a different capacity. If it were reversed, I’m certain I’d have to say no - I can’t go from Individual to Couples, but I believe I can go from Couples to Individual depending on the specific situation, nature of the couples relationship, etc.

Additionally, I’m in a small town. While the client could do Telehealth to broaden their potential therapists, they also prefer in-person. And as a therapist in a small town, it’s kind of impossible to never ever have a dual relationship with anyone. I used to work with my child’s kindergarten teacher, clients work for my past employers, clients know people I know. I have not had an issue thus far.

So what are your thoughts? Is there anything clear cut that would suggest I definitely need to refuse them service?

Thanks