Chapter 9: Managing Boundary Issues
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CHAPTER 9
Managing Boundary Issues
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After studying this chapter, students should be able to:
• Complete a self-assessment on managing boundaries.
• State the ethical guidelines regarding multiple relationships.
• Differentiate between boundary crossings and boundary violations.
• Describe boundaries from a cultural perspective.
CHAPTER OUTLINE
Aim of the Chapter
Self-Inventory on Managing Boundaries
Multiple Relationships and the Codes of Ethics
The Multiple Relationship Controversy
A Cultural Perspective on Boundaries
Multiple Relationships and boundary Issues in Small Communities
Establishing Personal and Professional Boundaries
Chapter 9: Managing Boundary Issues
Dealing with Sexual Attractions
Training in Managing Attractions
Sexual Relationships with Current Clients
Sexual Relationships with Former Clients
CHAPTER OVERVIEW
• A multiple relationship may occur whenever you interact with a client in more than one capacity.
Be aware of your position of power and avoid even the appearance of conflict of interest.
• The codes of ethics of most professional organizations warn of the potential problems of
multiple relationships, yet most codes do not prohibit all such relationships.
• Helpers are faced with the challenge of learning how to effectively and ethically manage multiple
• Exercise prudence in using social media. Be aware of the problems inherent in friending clients
on Facebook. Keep up with the rapid developments in technology that can raise new issues
related to professional boundaries.
• It is a good idea to avoid bartering, except when this is the best available option and when it is
the cultural norm. Exchanging services can lead to resentment on both your part and your
client’s.
SUGGESTIONS FOR ACTIVITIES
1. Debate on Dual/Multiple Relationships. Some say that dual or multiple relationships are
inevitable, pervasive, and unavoidable and have the potential to be either beneficial or harmful.
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2. Reviewing Codes of Ethics. Take some time to review the ethics codes of the various
3. Social and Sexual Relationships With Former Clients. Review the discussion on both social and
4. Role Plays: Case Studies. Form small groups to explore the core issues involved in some of the
cases in this chapter. Have students role-play the case of Yoanna and Joel, the case of Derek and
5. Developing Cases Dealing With Boundary Issues. Divide the class into a number of small groups,
and ask each group to develop a case in which an ethical dilemma involving a dual or multiple
6. Self-Inventory on Managing Boundaries. Have students take the inventory in the chapter on
managing boundaries. Then ask them to form small groups to discuss their reactions to the
inventory. They should select the top two or three items that interest them the most.
7. Boundary Crossings versus Boundary Violations. In dyads or small groups, students should come
8. Culture and Boundaries. According to the text, the cultural context may play a role in
determining the appropriateness of blending friendships with a helping relationship. In fact, in
9. Boundary Issues in Small Communities. Managing boundaries are everyday realities faced by
therapists who live and practice in small communities. Helpers who work in rural communities
may have greater challenges in dealing with multiple relationships than those who work in urban
Chapter 9: Managing Boundary Issues
areas. Using either a role play or discussion-based format, have students explore the following
issues:
• A counselor discovers that all of her bank accounts are at the local bank where a client works
as a teller. This client has access to the counselor’s financial information and may be able to
ascertain who the counselor’s other clients are in town when checks are deposited.
• A counselor sees one of his clients at the local grocery store or standing in line at the movie
10. A Client Who Pushes Boundaries. Ask students to role-play the following scenario: A client is
constantly pushing boundaries, and the counselor must sensitively set appropriate boundaries
with him or her. Perhaps this client calls or texts the counselor excessively, or perhaps he or she
11. Social Media and Boundaries. Increasingly, clients or former clients want to become “friends”
with their counselor via the Internet. For helping professionals who are considering using
12. Ethics in Action Video Exercises. At the end of the chapter, a number of good ideas are
presented for role plays. Either students could break into groups of three (adopting the roles of
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1.
Your client gifted you an elegant piece of diamond necklace to show his/her gratitude.
Will you accept the offer?
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2.
You are required to attend a gathering today with your partner. Your client offers to
accompany you saying he/she is free today evening. Will you accept or decline?
3.
Your differently abled client, Anna, requires home-based therapy and you have been
KEY CONCEPTS AND TERMS
Bartering refers to exchanging professional therapeutic services for goods or services in lieu of money.
Boundary crossing is a departure from commonly accepted practices that could potentially benefit
clients.
LO/STANDARDS CORRELATION CHART
A-head
LO
Standard 1
Standard 2
Standard 3
Self-Inventory on
Managing
Boundaries
Complete a self-
assessment on
managing
boundaries.
CACREP 1.b, 1.k
EPAS 1.a, 1.b, 1.c,
2.c
CSHSE 7.a, 7.b,
7.c, 7.d,9.g, 9.h,
10.b, 10.e
Multiple
Relationships and
the Codes of
Ethics
State the ethical
guidelines
regarding multiple
relationships.
CACREP 1.b, 2.e,
5.d
EPAS 1.a, 1.b, 1.c,
2.c
CSHSE 9.g, 9.h
Chapter 9: Managing Boundary Issues
small
communities.
Guidelines for
Setting
Boundaries
List four
guidelines for
setting
boundaries.
CACREP 1.b, 1.d,
1.m
EPAS 1.b, 1.e
CSHSE 9.g, 10.b
relationships.
Boundaries
importance of
boundaries in
social media.
10.d
Bartering in
Counseling
Explain the pros
and cons of
bartering for
professional
services.
CACREP 1.k
EPAS 6.b
CSHSE 9.b, 9.f,
9.g,
Giving and
Accepting Gifts in
the Therapeutic
Relationship
Formulate
guidelines on
giving and
accepting gifts in
helping
relationships.
CACREP 1.i
EPAS 1.b, 1.c
CSHSE 9.g, 10.b
Sexual Attractions
guidelines for
dealing with
sexual attractions
in therapeutic
relationships.
1.l
10.d
Sexual
Relationships
With Current
Clients
Recognize the
ethical and legal
aspects of sexual
relationships with
current clients.
CACREP 5.f
EPAS 1.b, 1.c
CSHSE 9.g, 10.b
With Former
Clients
aspects of sexual
relationships with
former clients.