In most crisis cases, the client should be directed towards calling the emergency services, not you. [3] X Expert Source Joseph PhillipsClinical Therapist, MSW Expert Interview. 20 December 2022.
Always provide a professional work email, phone number, and office location for your clients to use to contact you. [4] X Research source It’s great to care and be invested in your clients, but you shouldn’t cross any clinical or therapeutic boundaries in the process. Although there are therapy techniques that require that clients are able to contact you at any time, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), that’s not valid during a crisis. [5] X Expert Source Joseph PhillipsClinical Therapist, MSW Expert Interview. 20 December 2022.
Make sure your Facebook settings and other on-line profiles are set to private or limited to people you have approved to follow you. If your client can access information about you publicly on-line, this could lead to a conflict of interests. [7] X Research source Similarly, do not seek out information about your clients on-line that is private or irrelevant to your work with that client.
If you disclose confidential information relating to your client, he or she must sign a valid consent form which gives you permission to do this. If you are discussing confidential information with fellow colleagues or a supervisor, then make sure this is done in private. Do not discuss it in hallways, stairways or other public places where it can be overheard.
Inappropriate forms of touching might include hugging, caressing, or holding your client’s hand. While you might think these gestures show compassion or care, it is possible they could make your client feel uncomfortable and as if he or she is in an exploitative dynamic. Ask yourself if there is even the smallest possibility your client could be psychologically harmed by your touching. If yes, then avoid making physical contact with your client. In some cases, hugging a client may be appropriate. For example, if a client asks for a hug during your last session together, then that would be appropriate. [9] X Research source If you work with children or the elderly, then hugging and hand holding may be appropriate sometimes as well. Remember: boundaries aren’t universal. Instead, they depend on the individual relationship. For instance, the boundaries you have with a spouse or child are much different than the relationship you’ll have with a client. Your relationship with someone should be confined to the appointments that you have set and the boundaries that you have set, and these should be consistent with all of your clients. [10] X Expert Source Joseph PhillipsClinical Therapist, MSW Expert Interview. 20 December 2022.
Avoid wearing any form of low-cut or revealing clothing. This could make your client feel deeply uncomfortable and establish an exploitative dynamic between you and your client. [11] X Research source
When you discuss intimate, personal details of your life with your clients, it could confuse your clients about the nature of your relationship and this could be distressing for your client.
If you are a social worker in a small community, there is a chance you might meet your client in other contexts, such as church, school or in another social setting. Try to limit contact with your client in these situations. The more time you spend with your client outside of a professional context, the greater the opportunity for a breach of professional boundaries. [12] X Research source For example, if you attend the same church as your client, avoid joining the same volunteer committee or attending the same Bible study class as your client. If you run into a client while in the gym or at the grocery store, then try to minimize the encounter. Be polite and professional but do not linger in a social capacity. You should not ignore your client, but do not start a social interaction unless your client approaches you. Do not approach your client. Similarly, do not agree to do favors for your clients outside of a professional setting. Don’t agree to give rides to your client or to babysit for your client. This can easily compromise professional boundaries.
Never enter into a sexual relationship with any of your clients’ relatives or close friends either. These relationships could also potentially exploit your clients and their treatment. If you find yourself developing romantic feelings toward your client, excuse yourself from the case and refer the person to another social worker.
Do not borrow money from or lend funds to current or former clients. These are actions that can easily confuse your client and put your client in an exploitative position in relation to you. [14] X Research source
Keep in touch with old friends from high school, college or your field work rounds. If you are new to a city, try joining volunteer groups, church groups or intramural sporting teams for basketball, running, baseball, etc.
Try to find a hobby that gives you regular, weekly activities. Having something regularly scheduled outside of work will help you maintain professional boundaries while also reducing stress in your daily life.
You can still be an excellent social worker without being available to your clients 24/7.
