Professional boundaries
Service providers need to maintain professional boundaries with clients. Boundaries refer to the legal, ethical and professional frameworks that create invisible structures to respect the rights of service providers and clients.
Boundaries set parameters within which services are delivered and can refer to “the line between the self of the client” (and the) “self of the service provider” (College of Psychologists of Ontario, n.d., p.1). Service providers may seek guidance on professional boundaries for their role by consulting trained supervisors or managers, or through the standards set by the organization or professional regulatory body.
An inherent power imbalance exists in professional relationships as a result of the client's trust that the service provider has the expertise to help with their problems and from the client's disclosure of personal information (College of Psychologists of Ontario, n.d.). As such, service providers have a duty to act in the best interests of their clients, and they are responsible for maintaining boundaries and handling any boundary issues (College of Psychologists of Ontario, n.d.).
To maintain professional boundaries, service providers should be aware of the following:
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Clients' cultural norms and beliefs surrounding showing emotions and sharing personal information.
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Their feelings and behaviours toward their clients.
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Self-disclosure to clients.
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Situations where boundary violations may occur.
The following concepts build on the above principles:
- Cultural responsiveness
- Countertransference
- Self disclosure
- Blurred professional boundaries
As professional boundaries set the tone of the working relationship, it is important that service providers be aware of the factors and circumstances that may result in crossed boundaries. Efforts should be made to maintain professional boundaries so that the best interests of the client are served.