Continuing Education Course: When Clients Violate Therapists’ Boundaries
CE Credit: 3 Hours
Format: Self-Study Article + Reflection Activities + Case Vignettes
Target Audience: LPCs, LMFTs, LCSWs, Psychologists
Level: Intermediate
Instructor: [Your Name, Credentials]
Course Description
Much of the ethical training for therapists focuses on boundary-setting, dual relationships, and the therapist’s role in preventing ethical violations. But what happens when it is the client who crosses the line? This 3-hour CEU course explores the complex ethical, clinical, and relational terrain of client-initiated boundary violations—from flirtation and gifts to intimidation, stalking, or threats. Through real-world examples, reflective exercises, and professional guidelines, participants will deepen their ability to recognize, respond to, and ethically manage boundary ruptures initiated by clients.
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
- Define common forms of client-initiated boundary violations.
- Identify ethical principles and codes that apply to managing client transgressions.
- Describe the impact of these dynamics on the therapeutic relationship.
- Implement clinical and ethical strategies for maintaining safety and professionalism.
- Reflect on personal triggers and vulnerabilities in boundary setting.
Section I: Understanding Client-Initiated Boundary Violations
Estimated Time: 45 minutes
Types of Violations
- Flirtation or sexual advances
- Over-disclosure or manipulation
- Physical or verbal intimidation
- Gift-giving with expectations
- Attempts to contact therapist outside of session
Key Concept: Boundaries Are Bidirectional
Clients may test, blur, or outright ignore boundaries—intentionally or not. Clinicians must discern the difference between cultural nuance, trauma reenactment, and genuine overstepping.
Ethical Lens
- ACA Code of Ethics (2014): Sections A.6, A.5.d, B.6
- NASW Code of Ethics (2021): Sections 1.06, 2.01
Reflection Exercise
- Have you ever felt uncomfortable with a client’s behavior but didn’t address it immediately?
- What made it difficult to intervene?
- How might you handle it differently now?
Section II: Clinical and Ethical Implications
Estimated Time: 1 hour
Emotional Reactions in the Therapist
- Shock, confusion, guilt, fear, flattery
- Pressure to be “nice” or avoid rupture
- Transference and countertransference awareness
Case Vignette
Client: Sam, 34, begins bringing expensive gifts to session and making frequent comments about the therapist’s appearance.
Dilemma: Therapist appreciates the gesture but feels uneasy. Sam becomes cold when the therapist sets a boundary.
Discussion Questions:
- Which ethical codes apply here?
- What would be an appropriate response?
- How can the therapist process this in supervision or consultation?
Activity: Values Clarification
- List 3 values that guide your boundaries.
- Identify one that is challenged when clients cross lines.
- Reflect on how this affects your clarity and confidence.
Film Clip Integration: What About Bob?
Clip: Bob Saves Leo at Dinner
Discussion: Is Bob crossing a boundary or being helpful? How does Leo respond? What might you do differently in a real therapeutic relationship?
Clip: Bob Arrives at the Lake House
Discussion: How does boundary escalation unfold? What early signs are present that Leo dismisses?
Clip: Cock-a-Doodle-Doo Scene
Discussion: How does the therapist’s mounting frustration impact his professionalism? What ethical themes are relevant here?
Additional Video Resources
1. Setting Boundaries With Clients – The Keys to Therapy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=So0ezoDydyQ
Tips for when and how to set clear, consistent guidelines—from session time to communication styles.
Reflection Prompt: What boundary from this video surprised you? Which one do you need to clarify more clearly in your own practice?
2. Boundaries in Therapy: More Subtle Than You Think
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGLtVQEE4LU
Discusses how boundaries evolve and adapt to each client’s needs and relationship context.
Reflection Prompt: How have your boundaries evolved over time? How do you distinguish between flexibility and enmeshment?
3. Bonus: To Touch or Not to Touch in Therapy – Dr. Zur
Explores the clinical, cultural, and ethical complexities of physical touch in psychotherapy.
Section III: Managing Boundary Violations with Integrity
Estimated Time: 45 minutes
Tools for Intervention
- Use of immediacy: naming what’s happening in the room
- Gentle but firm limit-setting scripts
- Written boundary statements (if patterns persist)
- Referrals or termination when safety is impacted
Sample Responses
- “I value our work together and want to protect it. That comment felt personal in a way that changes our dynamic.”
- “It sounds like you want a closer relationship with me. Let’s talk about what that brings up for you.”
- “For your safety and mine, we need to keep all contact within session times.”
Video Resource
Dr. Ofer Zur: Boundaries in Psychotherapy (Excerpt)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFU0-JmGe6k
Duration: ~10 minutes
Section IV: Safety, Supervision, and Self-Awareness
Estimated Time: 30 minutes
Risk Management Strategies
- Document incidents factually and clearly
- Seek supervision immediately
- Consult with colleagues or legal/ethical boards
- Know your agency or private practice safety protocols
Reflection Prompts
- How do you typically respond to discomfort in session?
- Do you fear rupturing rapport more than enforcing a limit?
- How has your own history shaped your reactions to boundary tension?
Personal Action Plan
| Area | Strategy | Frequency | Support Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision/Consult | Discuss boundary incidents regularly | Monthly | Peer group, supervisor |
| Documentation | Log all incidents with neutral language | Ongoing | EHR or secure notes |
| Self-Reflection | Track your emotional reactions to violations | Weekly | Journal, voice memo |
| Safety Protocol | Review and rehearse your personal safety plan | Quarterly | Practice policy binder |
| Continuing Education | Take yearly refreshers on boundaries & ethics | Annually | CEU platforms, webinars |
Resource List
- ACA Code of Ethics (2014)
- NASW Code of Ethics (2021)
- Zur Institute: Boundaries in Psychotherapy
- Pope & Vasquez (2016): Ethics in Psychotherapy and Counseling
- Knapp, Handelsman, Gottlieb, & VandeCreek (2012): APA Ethics Code Commentary
Completion Instructions
To receive CEU credit:
- Read all course content
- Watch required videos
- Complete all reflection exercises
- Submit post-test and evaluation form