Logo

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

08.06.2025 19:14

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

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

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

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

Eagles star Saquon Barkley stunningly hints he could retire ‘out of nowhere’ - New York Post

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

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

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

Why does it matter so much to atheists that God doesn't exist?

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

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

Serious disappointment when the client cancels a session.

Don’t Try Flying With Erewhon Sunflower Seeds - The Cut

Off the top of my ancient head:

General Introduction to Boundaries from Panahi Counseling:

Obsessing about clients outside of work hours.

Can a cop pull you over walking home asking why you are out so late?

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.