The violation of a boundary can come in all shapes and sizes. Whether engaging in an innocent hug to console a grieving patient, navigating the gift-giving holiday season or being confronted with a patient’s online dating profile, the absence of clear boundary lines can cause confusion and inner turmoil for a clinician. As mental health therapists are now meant to navigate these traditional boundaries alongside the fairly new world of telehealth visits, professional consultation is an important resource.
Dr. Glen Gabbard of the Baylor College of Medicine boldly explores the notion that no clinical professional is unsusceptible to boundary violations on this episode of the Menninger Clinic’s Mind Dive podcast. Join hosts Dr. Kerry Horrell and Dr. Bob Boland for this dive into the various ways that boundary violations occur, some considerations for therapists in managing these situations, and ongoing strategies for maintaining boundaries.
Dr. Gabbard advises mental health clinicians to never underestimate the value of a consultation with a colleague and to always examine personal motivations in an out of the ordinary situation.
“When on the verge of a boundary violation, understand the dynamics of what is being repeated from your past or the patient’s past,” said Dr. Gabbard, “When you start going down the slippery slope of boundaries, often it’s because you are unconsciously reproducing something from your past. You need to think of where this is coming from and if it’s out of the ordinary for yourself.”
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Listen to Episode 2: “Treating Grief vs. Depression Amidst COVID-19 with Dr. Nancy McWilliams”
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Visit The Menninger Clinic website to learn more about The Menninger Clinic’s research and leadership role in mental health.