Signs and symptoms
Signs that the invisible barriers of ethically appropriate interactions have been crossed include when providers:
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Begin referring to clients as friends
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Receive gifts from or give gifts to clients
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Share home phone numbers or other significant personal information with clients
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Ask clients to socialize outside of the professional setting
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Offer to provide assistance to clients outside of their role
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Vent with clients about other providers
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Dominate social interactions with friends and family with discussion of work and clients
Dealing with boundary issues
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1
How will this secondary relationship change the power differential or take advantage of a power differential in the therapeutic relationship?
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2
How long will this relationship last? Is it a one-time occurrence or is it expected to last indefinitely?
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3
How will ending one relationship affect the other relationship?
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4
How much will objectivity be impaired?
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5
What is the risk of exploitation?
Considering these questions and consulting with colleagues before crossing boundaries may serve the relationship between the provider and client. Thinking about boundaries will help establish a productive relationship and avoid fatigue and exhaustion.
Review question
Consider the following scenarios; which cross boundaries?
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A service provider is having a bad day after having a fight with their spouse. The service provider vents to a client about the fight with their spouse after the appointment is over.
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A client's parent sends chocolates to the team at Christmas time in appreciation for the care their loved one has received.
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A client offers a service provider a ride home, and the service provider accepts the ride.
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A service provider who is regularly working with a client rents out their basement apartment to the client who is in need of housing.
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A client gives you a thank you card in appreciation for the treatment received at your organization.