Keeping Professional Boundaries

Abstract

A variety of issues stem from boundary violations in mental health professional-client relationships. At its core, effective counseling depends on the professional being committed to the client, the client's welfare, and the client's ability to trust the professional. Both parties in a professional relationship may be hindered by the existence and demands of the other individual in order to achieve their therapeutic objectives. Boundaries provide limits and parameters that result in good and ethical practices in the therapeutic context. In addition to the erosion of ethical standards due to boundary crossings, there can be various boundary violations. Mental health professionals must be aware of the ethical standards that are in place in their profession to ensure appropriate boundaries and to be diligent in enforcing these boundaries through professional means. Professionals must know how personal issues and biases associated with relationships can impact the therapeutic process.