Logo

What are some signs that a therapist may have poor boundaries with their clients?

10.06.2025 00:09

What are some signs that a therapist may have poor boundaries with their clients?

These items can happen fleetingly, briefly, in any therapy, but if they’re frequent, it’s definitely time for the therapist to get some good, solid supervision/consultation.

Session-expressed curiosities about client details not relevant to the therapy.

Disclosing feelings, fantasies, and experiences to the client in ways not related to the work the client is engaged in.

What are some effective ways to cope with loss and grief?

Serious disappointment when the client cancels a session.

Frequent phoning or texting of clients to “check up on them and make sure they’re OK.”

Eager anticipation (or anxious anticipation) of the next session in ways that distract.

Samsung is giving these Galaxy phones a big One UI upgrade - here's which models qualify - ZDNET

Off the top of my ancient head:

Obsessing about clients outside of work hours.

Struggling with fantasies of deeper connections with clients, whether sexual or parental or other intense or intimate relationships beyond psychotherapy.

Science-Backed Tips for Increasing Your Stamina at Any Age - Prevention

Routinely going over the time limit with certain patients, compromising the time for the next client.

Sense of competition with persons who are important in the client’s life.

General Introduction to Boundaries from Panahi Counseling:

Scientists stunned after detecting unexpected shift in Antarctic Ice Sheet: 'A historic turnaround' - Yahoo

Failing to mention the client in supervision/consultation, out of fear the supervisor/consultant will advise return to ordinary healthy boundaries.