Three Brief Scenarios and Boundaries

List three brief scenarios that will illustrate examples of the types of boundary issues or multiple relationships you may encounter in the work you will be doing as a counselor. Be specific in describing the client, the counseling setting, and the situation that has raised these issues. Discuss specifically what makes these scenarios ethical challenges.

Boundaries make it possible for the relationship between therapist and client to be professional and safe for the client and set the parameters of the services provided.
The primary concern in establishing and managing boundaries with each individual client is to the best interest of the client. While it is difficult for clients to negotiate boundaries or recognize the need for boundaries, or be able to defend themselves about boundaries violations may initiate behavior that could constitute a boundary violation. Here are three areas of boundary issues that can present difficulty in maintaining boundaries. These are:
1) Dual and overlapping relationships, 2) giving or receiving gifts, and 3) physical contact.
1) Dual and overlapping relationships:

In this scenario, the client is a 25 yr. Old lady who is having difficulty with her husband. It is going to the fourth session with her when you see its’ going on to 11:30 and you are hungry. You suggest that you finish talking while grabbing a bite to eat in the restaurant just around the corner and bring it back to the office to eat. All goes well, and the next time you see this client she brings in sandwiches for you and her to eat during the counseling session. If I asked her not to bring in the lunch, the client may ask why we broke the rule of stepping over a boundary that was set earlier.

What can we do in this scenario?
In Corey, Corey & Callanan (2011) p.273. “Youngren and Gottleib recommend that practitioners address these question to make sound decisions about multiple relationships.(pp.256-257).
• Is entering into a relationship in addition

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