Chapter 3: Boundary Crossing In Clinical Practice

I choose to complete my second reflection paper on chapter three: Boundary Crossing in Clinical Practice.

The author starts the chapter first by mentioning seeing professionals having sexual encounters with their clients. She found it hard to understand how a professional could participate in such acts. As the author began to look at boundary she began to see she was also guilty not as heinous as some of her fellow colleagues by participating in sexual acts but unintentionally crossing certain boundaries that she was unaware to her. An example can be crossing her legs in front of a client, having contact after hours, seeing a patient for longer periods or after hours. A Boundary is defined as a line that marks the limit of an area. Boundary

Boundary violations is when a boundary is crossed, not well thought out and may have negative and long term consequences. An example can be a therapist sharing their religious beliefs with a client who also have the same beliefs versus a therapist sharing their religious beliefs with an atheist.

The author also mentions overtime most professionals who engage in sexual relations with patients or colleagues started out as a small boundary and ended in full sexual relationship. This is an example slippery slope. Slippery slope which is describe as crossing a small boundary with no negative consequences but can make it easier for a therapist to engage in boundary violations. Serval authors argue that this method could also be positive if applied on a profession positive matter following all agency policies.

Patients’ have boundaries as well as the professionals. They also have rule and regulation to abide by. Examples may be is to be respectful to other clients and staff. Just as you teach your clients how you want to be treated, you should also provide the same respect you are asking them to give you. All relationships are based on give and take, so by clear communication and compromise, patients and clients can build healthy and reciprocal