Maintaining a healthy and professional relationship between a patient and a substance use counselor is important. A good counselor will want to do anything in their power to help their patient make progress and live a happier, healthier life. However, they also must protect themselves by setting clear boundaries with their clients.
Setting boundaries is necessary for their benefit and essential to make sure no legal or ethical issues occur. It is important to establish boundaries with the patient at the beginning of their first treatment session and maintain the boundaries throughout the relationship.
Being Mindful of Self-Disclosure
When someone is working as a counselor, they may find it tempting to share aspects of their own life to connect with a client and help them feel more comfortable sharing information about themselves. Especially if the client is going through something similar to what the counselor has experienced before, it may seem like a good idea to share their own story to show that they can relate to the client and understand what they’re going through.
However, if they choose to do this, they should use caution. After all, their privacy should be a consideration. Another problem that can come about when a counselor shares their personal information is that it can take the focus off the client and impede progress.
Be Mindful of Time
Most counselors will have a set date and time window for meeting with a specific client. In the case that a client is repeatedly late or asks to reschedule, the counselor should make clear that they expect their scheduled time window to be honored. In difficult situations, a counselor may need to extend their time with a particular client due to an emergency. They should keep track of this time to ensure that it is not cutting into time they should spend working with other clients or engaging in personal responsibilities.
In unique cases, communication between a counselor and a client will extend beyond a traditional office environment and include texts, emails, or calls. Counselors should be mindful of how frequently this occurs. If this becomes an issue, they should not be afraid to address it with the client and put new boundaries in place. For example, they may only be available to chat within set hours or on certain days.
Be Cautious About Physical Touch
Physical touch can have certain implications even if the intention is completely innocent, such as providing comfort or showing empathy. Some counselors may feel okay with physical touch from their clients, while others will avoid physical touch. A counselor should never touch a client in any way without asking for their consent. It is important to listen to cues from the client and always ensure that they feel comfortable and in control.
Avoid Conflicts of Interest
When a counselor is treating someone with a substance use disorder, they should avoid agreeing to take on any of their close family members or friends as patients to avoid conflicts of interest. This is because the patient may discuss these individuals during their sessions which can lead to bias and make it harder for a counselor to help the patient with the issues that they are dealing with. Additionally, if patients know their counselor is also working with people close to them, they may feel less comfortable opening up. This can, in turn, impede overall progress.
Be Aware of One’s Own Feelings
Therapy is a vulnerable process that can cause a counselor and client to feel emotionally close. In many cases, clients talk to their counselor about things they have never spoken about with anyone else in their lives. As a patient and a counselor continue to work together over time, feelings can in some cases develop that go beyond what is appropriate for a professional environment.
If a client expresses romantic interest in their counselor or vice versa, the counselor should speak with a superior regarding the issue and assess whether or not the patient should work with a different counselor. When there are romantic feelings involved, it can change the direction of treatment and may lead to serious problems.
How to Maintain Boundaries Over Time
Establishing boundaries takes planning and persistence. When building the foundation for lasting boundaries, it is helpful to adhere to the following tips:
- Make it clear what boundaries exist.
- Approach the patient if a line is crossed.
- Provide consequences if they repeatedly cross a line.
- Don’t be afraid to recommend a patient to a different counselor if necessary.
While most counselors will want to do anything in their power to assist a patient struggling with substance misuse, they must also consider their wellbeing. It includes setting clear boundaries, not only for their own benefit but for the patient’s as well. Counselors should be aware of what personal information they choose to share with their patients because sharing such information can take the focus away from the patient. Counselors should also be cautious when it comes to physical touch, avoid situations that would lead to conflicts of interest, and be aware of their feelings. If they develop romantic feelings for a patient or feel that a patient has developed romantic feelings for them, they may need to consider recommending the patient to a different counselor. If you’re currently struggling with a substance use disorder, our team at Dream Recovery can help. Learn more by calling us today at (949) 732-1960.
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