Boundaries that need to be considered when starting a new helping relationship

Boundaries can simply be defined as the limits of acceptable and unacceptable behaviours.

For the helper and helpee, boundaries help to understand, what the helper is able to provide in the relationship and what the helpee can expect to get from the relationship. 

There are important boundaries that need to be taken into account while starting a new helping relationship. 
Here is why,

1. Confidentiality: 

The most important part of building a helping relationship is probably confidentiality. A helper should make sure of that, so that the helpee feels 100% comfortable to discuss their sensitive matters, honestly and fearlessly. 

In the beginning of establishing a helping relationship, the helpee should be assured that their identity and story will remain completely confidential.
The helpee should also be informed that, only in certain cases where there is a possibility of self harm or risk of harming others, the information will be shared with other professionals to avoid any unfortunate events. 


2. Appropriate Setting:

Selecting a suitable location for a counselling session is important. A place where there aren't too many public or possibility of the confidentiality to be compromised. 

For example, a shopping mall is not a suitable place for a session. 
Community centre, therapy rooms etc are better options. Or it can be via phone or online as well, depending on the client's needs. 


3. Time:

A professional counselling session can last up to 50 minutes to an hour. Being selective about the duration is important, so that, the client understands:

- the helper is here to help, the helpee can trust the helper
- it's a sign of consistency, which assures helpee that their time will not be cut short or long
- time selection helps to avoid confusion about the process
- the helpee can plan what to cover in one session, the helper can plan how many sessions it might take 
- the helpee can predict the outcome and adjust their expectations 
- gives clear indication that late arrivals will not affect the fees since the helper is investing their valuable time 


4. Record Keeping:
 
The helper will clarify to the helpee that their information will be preserved in a certain way that there is no room for doubt and confusion in helpee's mind. 
The information will be kept safe in a locked cabinet or encrypted file. 

The helper will strictly follow the 2018's GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). And they will also seek the client's permission before sharing anything related to the client with anyone, like the supervisor or another helper. 


Overall, these boundaries are as important as the boundaries of any other relationships, specifically professional relationships. 
Boundaries should be taken as a positive step, these are there to serve both parties, so the counselling relationship can bring out the best outcome. 

NB: This is my personal work for Level 2 certification on Counselling Skills. You are welcome to use this for learning purpose only by mentioning this website.