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Maintaining Professional Boundaries in Challenging Client Situations - 9/18/2026

60

Course Overview
This intermediate-level course explores the critical role of boundaries in ethical and effective psychotherapy. While most therapists understand the importance of maintaining professional boundaries, many report challenges navigating boundary decisions in complex clinical situations. Through a blend of theory, clinical case examples, and discussion of ethical principles, participants will learn to recognize subtle signs of boundary shifts, assess their own internal responses, and apply structured strategies for maintaining therapeutic integrity. Emphasis will be placed on flexible, relational, and culturally responsive boundary-setting practices, as well as when and how to seek consultation. The course includes experiential exercises and clinical reflection prompts to strengthen confidence and competence in this essential area of practice.

Learning Outcomes 
Upon the completion of this course, the learner should be able to:

  • Identify four types of professional boundaries in therapy (psychological, physical, containing, and executed) and their clinical applications.
  • Describe at least three indicators of being at risk of compromised boundaries and the therapist’s ethical responsibility in addressing them. 
  • Analyze a clinical case example to evaluate appropriate boundary-setting strategies using ethical guidelines and self-of-therapist reflection. 
  • Apply at least two consultation or decision-making frameworks for responding to boundary dilemmas in clinical practice.

About the Author/Presenter 
Michal (Michelle) Goldman, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and clinical therapist who is passionate about helping therapists cultivate secure, ethical boundaries and deepen their self-of-therapist awareness to provide effective, compassionate care. She specializes in work with adults and couples navigating relational challenges and holds extensive training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and discernment counseling. In addition to her clinical practice, she writes a biweekly mental health column for a local newspaper.

Audience/Accreditations and Approvals 
TRC Healthcare/ NetCE 
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by TRC Healthcare/ NetCE. TRC Healthcare/NetCE is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. 
This course is designed for the following healthcare professions (select your profession for details): 
Counselor, Psychology, Social Work

If you require special accommodations, please contact Colibri Healthcare Support by clicking here: Contact Us