ABSTRACT
The concept of treatment boundaries developed during the twentieth century in the context of outpatient psychodynamic psychotherapy. Treatment boundary issues arose from the very beginning of psychoanalysis, reflected in Freud’s disputes with Ferenczi, Reich, and others. Ethical principles promulgated by the mental health professions and the legal duties imposed by courts and statutes have additionally defined treatment boundaries. For example, the clinician’s maintenance of confidentiality derives from three distinct duties: professional (clinical); ethical; and legal. Treatment boundaries are set by the therapist that define and secure the professional relationship of the therapist with the patient for the purpose of promoting a trusting, working alliance.
