ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN CLIENT-THERAPIST BOUNDARIES

Course overview

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Boundaries are elusive personal lines maintained to protect personal space and autonomy. In relationships, like those formed between therapists and clients, boundaries protect the integrity of each person. Understanding boundaries is essential for building healthy therapeutic relationships that are client-centered, effective, and ethical. It is not uncommon for a client to cross the therapist?s boundaries or for a therapist to cross the client?s boundaries. Regular boundary crossing can lead to a dysfunctional client-therapist relationship hindering the benefits that might be derived from the session. This course helps massage and bodywork therapists define boundaries, understand boundary types, explore personal and professional boundaries, support clients is setting good boundaries, recognize boundary crossings, and build solid therapeutic relationships. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Having viewed the presentation, listened to the audio commentary, and completed learning activities, the participant will be able to: Define the terms boundaries, personal space, therapeutic relationship, autonomy, and power differential. Analyze the way in which defined terms relate to each other and to the practice of massage and bodywork. List factors that influence a person?s ability to establish and maintain personal boundaries. Differentiate between types of boundaries. Compare and contrast permeable, semi-permeable, and rigid boundaries. Appraise boundary permeability in relationship to a specific situation to determine if boundary permeability is appropriate or needs adjustment. Define the term, boundary crossing, as it relates to a massage and bodywork practice. Explain the factors that influence boundary crossing. Provide two examples that illustrate boundary crossing. Appraise scenarios to determine if a therapist or client boundary has been crossed. Define the term, assertive communication. Discuss the role of assertive communication in the maintenance of boundaries. Explain one strategy to build client autonomy in therapeutic relationships. Compose a plan to support client boundary maintenance during massage sessions. Assess methods for establishing the professional boundaries of a massage practice. Cite two examples of therapist behaviors that weaken professional boundaries.