Therapeutic Boundaries - What are they and why do we need them in therapy?
I’ve noticed that transitions—like those we experience during summer and autumn—often lead to breaks in therapy sessions. As life becomes busier and more unpredictable, it’s not uncommon to miss appointments or feel less engaged. While these changes can disrupt our progress, they also present valuable opportunities to explore how they affect us. This is where therapy boundaries come into play; they are essential for revealing insights about ourselves and our relationships with others.
You might wonder, “What exactly are therapeutic boundaries, and why do they matter?” Think of them as the foundation of the therapeutic relationship. Just like personal boundaries, these guidelines define what we need to make your therapy meaningful. Your therapist is committed to maintaining these boundaries, no matter how challenging it might feel at times. This commitment ensures that your best interests remain at the heart of our work together.
You may question why your therapist insists on payment for missed appointments, even if you have a valid reason, or feel frustrated when a session is cancelled. It’s natural to wonder about your therapist’s life and feel disappointed when you can’t know more about them. These feelings are valid and provide important insights into how you perceive boundaries.
Here are several reasons why therapeutic boundaries are so important:
Consistency and Predictability: Knowing that your sessions happen at the same time each week creates a comforting sense of safety and trust in our therapeutic relationship. This consistency can be especially healing for those who have experienced chaos or a lot of uncertainty in their lives.
Understanding Power Dynamics: The therapist-client relationship has an inherent imbalance due to the therapist's role and access to personal information. Boundaries help protect against potential misuse of this power, allowing you to take charge of your own life and decisions.
Protection Against Dependency: It’s common to worry about becoming too reliant on your therapist. However, boundaries actually model healthy relationships. A therapist's limited availability isn’t a sign of indifference; it often comes from a commitment to your growth. Therapy involves learning to manage your emotions and seek support independently, so while boundary violations can feel harsh, they might encourage you to engage more actively in your healing.
Safety in Therapy: Feeling secure is essential for effective therapy. Boundaries help create a safe space to explore your feelings and experiences. If you ever feel unsafe, it’s vital to share those feelings with your therapist.
Adherence to Ethical Standards: Therapists follow ethical codes and regulations designed to protect you from potential malpractice. Your therapist should inform you about the ethical guidelines they uphold in their practice.
Cultural Sensitivity: Different cultures have various expectations and values, so boundaries may shift to accommodate these differences, making the therapy process more person-centred.
Therapist Self-Care: Therapists must take care of themselves to effectively support their clients. Being mindful of their own limitations is an act of care and responsibility towards their clients. Ignoring self-care can lead to burnout, negatively impacting how they provide care.
Dual Relationships: Therapists cannot be your friend, romantic partner, or employer; doing so compromises the therapeutic relationship. Boundaries maintain the professionalism of therapy, ensuring the focus remains on your needs rather than those of the therapist.
While this list doesn't cover everything, boundaries are important for keeping therapy effective and safe. Some boundaries can be flexible, but any changes should be thought out carefully.
Sometimes, a therapist might cross a boundary, but this should only happen if it helps you as the client. For example, a therapist might give a hug, offer an extra session, or visit you at home if it will support your progress in therapy.
It’s important to understand the difference between boundary crossings and boundary violations. Boundary crossings are usually harmless and meant to improve the therapy experience. In contrast, boundary violations happen when a therapist forms inappropriate relationships with clients, like having a sexual or business relationship. Violations also include actions that break laws or ethical rules.
Therapists may have different boundaries based on their experiences and approaches. They might adjust boundaries to meet your individual needs. While some boundaries should always be respected, others can be discussed and changed. Talking with your therapist about boundaries can help you gain insights and establish the best limits for your specific therapy journey.
