Keeping Boundaries : Maintaining Safety and Integrity in the Psychotherapeutic Process

Keeping Boundaries is an across-the-board review of the subject of boundary maintenance in psychotherapy. Using a comprehensive approach, this book examines the problem of therapeutic boundaries and boundary violations from multiple viewpoints, including historical antecedents, sociological mechanisms, object relations theory, psychodynamic theory, practical technique, and the mental health and training of psychotherapists. It covers a variety of boundary issues, including dual relationships, informed consent, fees, gifts from patients, maintaining confidentiality, avoiding abuse of power, and helping therapists to protect themselves against exploitive patients. Written in a clear and jargon-free style, this book provides the therapist with practical clinical advice supported by extensive references and clinical vingnettes.