The Role of Boundaries in counselling

Question 1:
Key issues:
• Breach of Ethics/Boundary Crossing: Michael would be crossing the boundaries if he were to see Julia in a social situation.
• Awkwardness: Michael will need to consider if further treatment would be compromised because awkwardness may stop Julia from sharing certain information.
• Treat with compassion and respect: Is Michael able to move forward and treat Jenny with compassion and respect?
• Supervision: Do any further consultations require supervision?
• Jenny’s reaction to Michael’s rejection: If the therapeutic relationship is uncomfortable, Michael should refer Jenny on to someone else, as this could impair judgement, treatment and diagnosis.
• Right to withdraw relationship: Is Michael aware of his right to withdraw the therapeutic relationship if his moral, personal or religious beliefs prevent treatment.

The article titled “The Role of Boundaries in counselling” (AIPTC 2010) reviews the movement of boundaries in a therapeutic relationship. The article argues whether it is beneficial to the relationship between a practitioner and a client to move boundaries. It identifies the need to keep boundaries and relationships on a professional level and to take into account any ramifications of any boundary movements whilst also distinguishing the line between actions of friend and of a practitioner. The example used shows a practitioner visiting a client in hospital as a figure of support, not a token of friendship, which was quickly addressed in the clients next session. This example shows movement of a boundary that was beneficial to the client’s wellbeing and shows a commitment to the client’s treatment from the practitioner (AIPTC 2010)
The second article (Zur 2004, pp. 27-32) discusses if crossing ...

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...ld also consider whether contact outside the office would be of any benefit to treatment, if not then he should consider whether they can continue their professional relationship and if he can provide Julia treatment without any judgements that could impair his ability to be unbiased. However, Julia’s feelings should also be taken into account, will she still be comfortable to move forward and remain being open and honest during consultations without feelings of awkwardness that may impair any information she will give to Michael. For the benefit of their professional relationship Michael should address his concerns quickly and to the point using compassion and respect to avoid any embarrassment to Julia. If the relationship and further treatment has been compromised then Michael should refer Julia on to other health practitioners with appropriate qualifications.