B oundary violations refer to stepping over that invisible line, such as the one that separates the professional from the client or the physician from the patient, using the power imbalance between therapist and patient to exploit the patient. A similar boundary violation for a relationship would be one partner quitting their job or refusing to work, then running up bills so that the other person has to try to pay them. Most boundary violations follow a similar pattern over time, beginning with subtle manifestations that may seem to be no more than exaggerated and flattering courtesy, followed by informality and demonstrations of friendliness, progressing to too much self-disclosure, and more intimate behaviors. For example, if you don t feel close to someone and they reveal very personal information to you, you may feel imposed upon or stressed .
Appropriate boundaries are necessary for individuals and for any relationship to prosper.
The following are some things to consider about whether or not you have appropriate boundaries. Please remember that these are very general statements and that appropriate boundaries vary within the context of a relationship . In a healthy relationship, each person is whole and intact. Each person can still live if something happened to the other, or if the relationship ended. Death or dissolution of a relationship is painful, but it doesn't mean that you will cease to exist.