A boundary-focused approach and a relationally-oriented approach

What is the difference between a boundary-focused approach and a relationally-oriented approach (as per Combs & Freedman) in therapy? 2. Under what conditions would you do the following (by answering these questions, you are starting to self-assess and design “policies” for your practice–some of which you might include in your contract with your client):

Accept gifts from clients?
Barter?
Buy your client’s services or products?
Become business partners?

  1. Why should a therapist be cautious when self-disclosing?

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Sample Answer

Boundary-focused approach

A boundary-focused approach to therapy emphasizes the importance of maintaining clear boundaries between the therapist and the client. This means that the therapist should avoid engaging in any activities that could blur the lines between the professional relationship and a personal relationship. For example, a therapist who takes gifts from a client is crossing a boundary, as this could be seen as an attempt to buy the client’s affection.

Relationally-oriented approach

A relationally-oriented approach to therapy emphasizes the importance of the relationship between the therapist and the client. This means that the therapist should be open to developing a close and personal relationship with the client. However, it is important to note that this does not mean that the therapist should cross boundaries. For example, a therapist who accepts gifts from a client could still be engaging in a relationally-oriented approach, as long as the gifts are not seen as an attempt to buy the client’s affection.

Full Answer Section

A

ccepting gifts from clients

There are a few conditions under which I would consider accepting gifts from clients. First, I would need to be sure that the gift is not being given in an attempt to buy my affection or influence my treatment of the client. Second, I would need to be sure that the gift is not something that I would normally purchase for myself. Third, I would need to be sure that the gift does not create a conflict of interest. For example, I would not accept a gift from a client if I was also providing them with financial advice.

Bartering

I would not barter with clients. Bartering is a form of exchanging goods or services for other goods or services. In the context of therapy, this could mean that a client would offer to provide me with something in exchange for therapy sessions. For example, a client might offer to do my yard work in exchange for therapy sessions. I believe that bartering creates a conflict of interest and could compromise the therapeutic relationship.

Buying client’s services or products

I would not buy client’s services or products. This is similar to bartering, in that it creates a conflict of interest. For example, I would not buy a client’s artwork if they were also my client. I believe that this could compromise the therapeutic relationship and could also be seen as an attempt to exploit the client.

Becoming business partners

I would not become business partners with clients. This is a clear conflict of interest and could compromise the therapeutic relationship. For example, I would not start a business with a client. I believe that this could lead to the client feeling pressured to continue therapy, even if they are no longer benefiting from it.

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