Logo

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

Last Updated: 23.06.2025 04:12

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

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

Off the top of my ancient head:

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

N95 Masks And Air Purifiers: Wildfire Smoke Protection - The Weather Channel

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

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

General Introduction to Boundaries from Panahi Counseling:

Why cant I breathe when I sleep on my back, I can breathe if im on my side or stomach but I feel uncomfortable since either my neck is twisted or my back is in pain, im physically healthy and my surroundings are clean so whats the problem?

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

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

Obsessing about clients outside of work hours.

NASA Goddard Center-wide Email - NASA Watch

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

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

Serious disappointment when the client cancels a session.

How do I monetize my email list with BeeHiiv?

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.