Professional Ethics and Boundaries
The professional relationship
The therapist holds a fiduciary role: the client’s welfare, autonomy, and privacy come before the therapist’s interests. Maintain clear boundaries, use professional communication, drape appropriately, and explain any technique that could be misinterpreted. Do not engage in sexual or romantic relationships with current clients; client initiation does not make it permissible. Avoid dual relationships that could impair judgment, and refer when a personal conflict exists.
Gifts, barter, and endings
Small gifts may be accepted under a policy, but gifts that create obligation or romantic meaning should be declined. Bartering is risky and should follow a written agreement and fair value. Terminate professionally with notice, referrals, and records access; do not abandon a client.
Worked example
A client asks the therapist on a date after a session. The therapist declines, explains the professional boundary, documents the request, and continues treatment only if it remains comfortable; otherwise, the therapist refers. The power differential and the therapeutic relationship make consent to a date unreliable, even if the client initiated.
Traps
The client started it is not a defense. Dating a former client immediately after termination is still high-risk. Do not use the treatment room for personal business. Do not disclose client information to defend your side of a dispute except through proper channels.