[PDF] Eileen Barker - Crossing the boundary: new challenges to religious

What is the difference between Boundary violations and boundary crossings?

• Distinctions have been drawn between boundary violations, which cause harm to clients, and boundary crossings, which are exceptions to customary practice that a counselor may make to benefit a particular client in a particular situation. Many of these “crossings” or exceptions are related to cultural differences.

What are professional boundaries?

• 'Professional boundaries' is used to describe the boundary between what is acceptable and unacceptable for a professional to do, both at work and outside it, and also the boundaries of a professional's practice (for example, whether complementary therapies can be undertaken by the professional as part of their work).

What is a counseling boundary?

• A boundary can be described as a frame around the counseling relationship that creates safety for the client. Counselors need to establish clear boundaries in their work because clients can easily misunderstand the nature of the counseling relationship.

Should boundaries be considered problematic?

• Moreover, boundaries should not always be seen as problematic; some service users appreciate professionals who can cross boundaries, but this must be in a transparent and considered manner. A long lists of principles or standards risks losing sight of the wood for the trees.