Preventing Boundary Violations in Clinical Practice

Highly practical and engaging, this authoritative book prepares clinicians of any orientation to navigate the clinical and ethical dilemmas involved in maintaining appropriate therapeutic boundaries. The authors explain what boundary violations are, their harmful impact on both patient and therapist, and how to avoid them. Along with sexual misconduct, areas such as role reversal, gifts, self-disclosure, out-of-office encounters, and physical contact are covered. In place of prescriptive "dos and don'ts," readers are guided to reflect on and develop their own clinical judgment and decision-making skills. Compelling case vignettes show how boundary questions arise and can be responsibly resolved as part of the process of therapy.