What are some signs that a therapist may have poor boundaries with their clients?

Last Updated: 02.07.2025 11:03

What are some signs that a therapist may have poor boundaries with their clients?

Off the top of my ancient head:

These items can happen fleetingly, briefly, in any therapy, but if they’re frequent, it’s definitely time for the therapist to get some good, solid supervision/consultation.

Sense of competition with persons who are important in the client’s life.

Vancouver Whitecaps lose Concacaf Champions Cup final to Cruz Azul - MLSsoccer.com

Struggling with fantasies of deeper connections with clients, whether sexual or parental or other intense or intimate relationships beyond psychotherapy.

Eager anticipation (or anxious anticipation) of the next session in ways that distract.

General Introduction to Boundaries from Panahi Counseling:

Every time I brush my hair when it’s dry it poofs up like a poof ball. But if I don’t brush it looks tangled and messy. I know I have some sort of curl or wavy hair, ive tried gels to define curls but it makes my hair frizzy and messy. What do I do?

Serious disappointment when the client cancels a session.

Routinely going over the time limit with certain patients, compromising the time for the next client.

Frequent phoning or texting of clients to “check up on them and make sure they’re OK.”

Iconic ‘90s Actress, 52, Flaunts Figure in Black Swimsuit While Yachting - parade.com

Session-expressed curiosities about client details not relevant to the therapy.

Disclosing feelings, fantasies, and experiences to the client in ways not related to the work the client is engaged in.

Failing to mention the client in supervision/consultation, out of fear the supervisor/consultant will advise return to ordinary healthy boundaries.

Phil Spencer Just Lowkey Confirmed The Halo: Combat Evolved Remaster Making 2026 A Massive Year For Xbox - Kotaku

Obsessing about clients outside of work hours.