Keeping boundaries : maintaining safety and integrity in the psychotherapeutic process

General Aspects of Therapeutic Boundaries and Boundary Violations. The nature and function of therapeutic boundaries. Ego boundary development and its relationship to the therapeutic frame. Factors common to all boundary violations. Specific Boundary Issues. Introduction to section II. Stability: Creating an atmosphere of trust and reliability. Whom should a psychotherapist treat? Problems of patient selection when a dual relationship exists. Respecting the patient's autonomy: maintaining a position of neutrality. Balancing the therapist's financial needs against those of the patient: monetary compensation in psychotherapy. Confidentiality. Maintaining anonymity. Abstinence and the management of erotic feelings in psychotherapy. Treating the patient who tries to exploit the therapist. Issues Concerning the Mental Health and Training of Psychotherapists. Psychological characteristics of therapists who commit serious boundary violations. Education and self-assessment: how can therapists learn to improve their boundary skills? Appendix. References. Index.