Online Training

Signs of boundary violations

The violation of professional boundaries usually occurs when an employee forgets they are not in a personal relationship with a client, but rather are assigned a professional role to play in supporting change with a person, family or community. Maintaining professional boundaries can be difficult sometimes, however empowerment and change is best achieved for the client when the balance of a personal and professional role is managed.

Whilst in isolation none of these behaviours may indicate a potential boundary violation is happening, they can be an indicator of a potential problem.

• Developing strong feelings for the client
• Spending more time with this client over others
• Having personal conversations with the client
• Receiving calls at home from the client
• Receiving gifts
• Doing things for a client rather than enabling the client to do it for themselves
• Believing only they can offer the right services, or they know the client best
• Physically touching the client