Something we may not realize in our private therapy practices is how our policies are set up to protect ourselves, our colleagues, and our environment. Setting boundaries in your private practice not only gives us and those in our office the sense of peace and security necessary for the workplace, but also sets expectations for how to navigate the relational component of our work.
Within this article, we’ll look at different types of boundaries any private practice can benefit from and how to go about setting them up. We’ll look at:
- Physical Boundaries
- Intellectual Boundaries
- Emotional Boundaries
- Material Boundaries
- Time Boundaries
Defining Boundaries
Boundaries are obviously important in every aspect of our lives, especially in the workplace, as they set the expectation for how we and others around us show respect. Boundaries at work are not only necessary, but required. Making sure the policies we set up for our therapy practices are essential to creating a healthy work environment.
Setting Solid Boundaries
1. Physical Boundaries
This refers to the physical space we allow between us and others. The therapeutic relationship can feel intimate and sometimes physical touch can be appropriate with our clients. We need to be mindful of why we are engaging in that physical touch—is it a sign of respect in their culture, is it therapeutically relevant, do I just feel obligation to do so?
It’s important that we don’t shy away from clear communication of these boundaries without assumption as we form new relationships with our clients. We want to respect when our clients are hesitant to simple gestures like a hug or handshake and not cross that line. We also want to be aware of our needs and bandwidth and respect our own expectations of physical touch.
2. Intellectual Boundaries
Here, we look at the flow of how thoughts and ideas are perceived. This means we have a steady stream of communication, back and forth. In group practice settings, granting your staff the space to present ideas and proposals is very important to building a practice that suits all those involved.
It’s also important to remember that if meetings to discuss these ideas are held, your staff is getting paid for that time. They are professionals, too, after all. In the clinical setting, we want to consciously foster an environment where clients can communicate feedback clearly.
3. Emotional Boundaries
Emotions tie together with our intellect. It’s one thing to present your emotions with intellect, it’s another thing to present your intellect with emotion. Feedback for ideas is a great way to make necessary changes and updates, however, when an imperfect idea is brought to the table, we must remember that an idea is all it is.
There’s no reason to let your emotions take it personally and end up having a rupture with a client over something that was only suggested. This sets an expectation for your practice that is opposite to what is intended. We all want to be heard and appreciated, not scared of what our opinions might be.
4. Material Boundaries
Material boundaries mean the money and possessions of others are respected just as much as everything else we’ve talked about so far. Embrace a sliding scale policy that adjusts to specific individuals. This also means taking the time to get to know the needs of those you’re supporting through your business, including yourself.
If you are underpaying your own service, it makes it difficult for you to make thoughtful business decisions without scarcity mindset taking over. Make sure the rates you offer are an accurate reflection of the work being done in your office.
5. Time Boundaries
Going hand in hand with material, time boundaries are how we uphold our concern with a truly stable work/life balance. How we use our time, what we put it toward (or not toward) and the responsibility to put it toward what’s good for us is an extremely important part of your policy to create a sustainable business.
Create a Successful Practice Through Establishing Boundaries
Taking the time to really research these boundaries and what they mean for your private practice policies is key when creating a successful business. When these guidelines are written and respected, so is the practice you’re running. Your people will feel not only safer but more sure of the environment they’re in.
Try to implement these five examples in your policy, and notice the dynamic you’ll be able to create in your workplace.
