4 Lessons from Setting Boundaries With Clients in Therapy
What happens when clients push the boundaries? In this enlightening discussion, a Business Owner and a Clinical Therapist share their experiences and strategies. The article begins with the importance of explaining safety protocols for tree work and ends with maintaining professional boundaries for emotional safety. Discover a total of four insightful perspectives from experts.
- Explain Safety Protocols for Tree Work
- Emphasize Structured Rehab for Safe Recovery
- Compromise on Therapy Session Frequency
- Maintain Professional Boundaries for Emotional Safety
Explain Safety Protocols for Tree Work
One instance that stands out was when a client requested a last-minute pruning and removal of several large trees near power lines. Given the safety risks and the complexity of the job, I had to explain that we couldn't take on this task without proper planning and permits from the city to avoid any hazardous situations. This type of request can be sensitive because clients often aren't fully aware of the safety protocols involved in arborist work, especially when it involves proximity to electrical infrastructure. Drawing on my years of experience and TRAQ certification, I explained in detail why we needed extra time to do the job safely and efficiently. I assured them we'd handle everything, from acquiring permits to coordinating with the utility company, but that it would take at least a week to organize properly.
At first, the client was frustrated with the delay, but after explaining the potential risks and outlining a safe approach, they fully understood and appreciated the caution we were taking. This experience underscored for me the importance of clear communication and setting professional boundaries based on safety and industry standards. My training and experience helped me to address their needs without compromising safety, which ultimately led to a positive outcome and strengthened our relationship.
Emphasize Structured Rehab for Safe Recovery
Certainly. One example that comes to mind involved a client recovering from a shoulder injury who was very eager to accelerate their progress. Despite our initial treatment plan and gradual increase in exercises, this client was determined to push harder, insisting on adding extra sessions and advanced exercises outside of our structured program. While I deeply admire the dedication to recovery, I knew from experience that overloading the shoulder too quickly could risk setbacks or re-injury. I sat down with the client and explained the biological healing process in detail, emphasizing why each stage of rehab was designed to protect the joint and progressively build strength. Drawing on my background working with elite athletes, I shared examples of how disciplined, step-by-step rehab has been crucial in their success. Thankfully, the client understood the logic and agreed to follow the modified schedule we'd established, allowing us to make safe, steady progress without rushing.
What I learned from this experience is that setting boundaries is essential not only for the safety of the client but also for maintaining trust and professionalism in the therapeutic relationship. My qualifications and years in the field have shown me that the human body doesn't always respond well to shortcuts, even with the best intentions. Setting clear expectations and communicating openly about the purpose behind a structured approach helped reinforce the client's confidence in the process. Since then, I've become even more proactive in educating clients upfront about the rationale behind each phase of their treatment, ensuring they understand that proper pacing is often the quickest path to full recovery.
Compromise on Therapy Session Frequency
I had a client who requested weekly meetings because they wanted to speed up their healing process, but they would cancel last-minute because of work. This happened a few times. After the third time, I helped the client understand that their intentions were good, but at this juncture in his life, weekly therapy sessions did not seem possible. I had the client compromise to every-other-week sessions and explained that he would still get the benefits from therapy and remain consistent. So far, this was the best option for us to continue working together, and I am happy I brought it to their attention.
Maintain Professional Boundaries for Emotional Safety
Emotional safety is the cornerstone of any healing work. Clients need to feel that their therapist is a stable, reliable, and nonjudgmental presence to explore their vulnerabilities. Clear boundaries establish predictable limits that help clients feel secure, knowing that the relationship is professional, respectful, and free from ambiguity or ulterior motives.
Previously, a client, knowing I was traveling to their city, asked if we could meet in person for a coffee. I empathized with their desire for connection and acknowledged that it might feel like a meaningful opportunity to connect differently. However, I explained that maintaining the structure and consistency of our sessions was important for our work together and helped keep our therapeutic space predictable and grounded. The client expressed initial disappointment but later shared that they appreciated the consistency I upheld, as it helped reinforce a sense of safety and trust in our work.
Many clients come to me with attachment injuries or patterns rooted in relationships that lacked clear or consistent boundaries. By setting and upholding boundaries with warmth and care, I hope to model what secure and healthy relationships look like. This provides clients with a framework for navigating their own relationships outside of therapy.
For clients with insecure-attachment styles, a lack of boundaries in relationships often triggers heightened emotional responses, such as anxiety or withdrawal. When therapists uphold boundaries in a consistent, kind manner, they help regulate these attachment fears and teach clients that boundaries can coexist with care and connection. Maintaining professional boundaries also helps me stay fully present and emotionally available, rather than becoming distracted by relational entanglements or dual relationships. This allows me to focus on the client's needs without my own personal dynamics interfering.
