Professional Boundaries for Therapists

A therapist can play an important role in a person's life and act as a confidant with whom to share one's innermost thoughts. Because of this intimate expression of information, it is crucial that a therapist employ strict professional boundaries to ensure their personal lives do not intermingle with their professional lives, and to maintain the confidentiality and protection of their patients. These parameters should be strictly followed by any therapist or psychological health care professional.

Patient Confidentiality

• Trust is a crucial element in the therapist-patient relationship, so a strict observance of confidentiality is an important boundary for a therapist. Therapists should not discuss their patients or any information divulged in therapy unless doing so with direct consent from a patient. The trust built from this boundary will help patients to feel more comfortable opening up, which can lead to more successful therapy and better outcomes. According to the Guide to Psychology, the only time that a therapist can breach this confidentiality is when they suspect that their patient or someone else is in immediate danger.

Self Disclosure

• Although it can be tempting to share personal stories and information as a way of relating to a patient, it is an important that therapists not disclose too much personal information to a patient. Especially in the realm of therapy and psychological care, it can be dangerous if an unstable patient knows information about the therapist such as their address or details about their friends and family. Broad generalities can be used to form a common ground between the therapist and patient, but it is important to be prudent to protect both parties.

Overlapping Relationships

• A therapist should not actively seek an outside friendship with a client. In many situations, especially in a small town, social interaction can occur and overlapping friends and relationships can be present. It is up to the therapist to use his or her professional judgment on where to draw the line for this boundary. It is not necessary for therapists and patients to ignore each other in outside life or stop seeing friends in common, but there is a delicate balance of trust and information that cannot be jeopardized, and if the situation is precarious, more serious steps may need to be taken.

Romantic Relationships

• Therapists should never date their clients or engage in any romantic or sexual relationships. A therapist is in a position of power, so any situation outside of this boundary could be viewed as an abuse of power or taking advantage of the situation. Dr. Jim Haggerty of Psych Central indicates that this includes seeking therapy from someone with whom you have had an intimate relationship with in the past, dating during therapy or starting a relationship after therapy has ended.