Managing Boundaries

1
Managing Boundaries

• Complete survey on page 283
• Divide into Groups - Discuss the following
• If a client could no longer afford to pay you for
  services, would you be willing to enter into a
  bartering agreement? What other alternatives
  would you utilize?
• What dual or multiple relationships do you think
  would be problematic and why? Can you think of
  any kind of multiple relationships you might be
  willing to engage in with a counseling client?
• How might you deal with an unavoidable dual
  relationship with one of your clients?

2
Dual / Multiple Relationships

• Dual Relationship - Helper assumes two or more
  roles simultaneously or sequentially with client.
• Sexual dual relationships with a current client
  is unethical!!
• Most professions extend the prohibition of sexual
  relationships with former clients to 2 - 5 years
  beyond termination of sessions.
• Nonprofessional relationships with clients is
  generally discouraged - HOWEVER, it is sometimes
  unavoidable.

3
Dual / Multiple Contd

• 3 Criteria for Nonprofessional Relationships
• 1. Will you exploit your client?
• 2. Will you lose you objectivity?
• 3. Will is harm the professional relationship?
• Sometimes boundary crossing is necessary - even
  theraputic.
• Guidelines for setting boundaries
• State your policy on social or business
  relationships in your informed consent document.
• Consult a colleague when considering a multiple
  relationship.
• Document any discussions about dual relationships
  with a client.

4
Dual / Multiple Contd

• Socializing with former clients
• Not unethical, but may be unwise.
• Bartering
• Not prohibited by ethics or law.
• Helper must demonstrate
• It is in best interests of the client.
• It is reasonable and equitable.
• Does not prevent you from providing quality
  service.
• Small groups - discuss bartering case study on
  page 294.

5
Dual / Multiple Contd

• Accepting gifts from clients
• Could create some ethical issues.
• Accepting expensive gifts is unethical.
• Accepting any gift without lengthy discussion is
  unwise. Ask yourself
• What is the clients motivation?
• What are the clinical implications?
• At what phase of the helping process is the gift
  being offered?
• What are your own motivations for accepting or
  rejecting a gift?
• Are there cultural implications?
• Small group discussion on page 296

6
Dual / Multiple Contd

• Dealing with sexual attractions to clients
• Most helpers will experience sexual attraction to
  a client.
• Important to recognize it and deal with it!!
• Guidelines
• Seek out a supervisor or colleague to discuss
  issue.
• Accept responsibility and attend to your own
  therapeutic needs before your sexual feelings
  interfere.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries.
• Refer if needed.
• Discuss case studies on page 298.

7
Dual / Multiple Contd

• Sexual misconduct with a current client is a
  major cause of malpractice actions.
• Consequences could be
• Felony conviction
• License revocation
• Professional association expulsion
• If Helper has had a previous sexual relationship
  with potential client, it is unethical to accept
  them.