ABSTRACT
The internal, mental boundaries of the therapist’s mind can become even more important within settings outside the somewhat protected environment of the private consulting room. This chapter discusses a series of clinical examples that illustrate how ethical and boundary issues can dramatically affect, and be affected by, the workplace. The community psychiatric nurse had to manage a transition to a more boundaried relationship with her psychotherapy client. Brian began working in a hostel for young homeless people. The staff had received no supervision for their work: there had been an assumption that because they were young they would understand the, mostly young, residents. Secretaries and receptionists are essential to the efficient running of hospital and general practice (GP) clinics, and most medical support staff will be aware of the need for confidentiality, particularly with relations wanting information about patients. The counsellor quickly became aware of the rivalry that existed between Health Centre and GP staff in sharing inadequate space.
