California Law and Ethics Practice Exam

What is a beneficial role of a therapist for clients struggling with boundaries?

1. To ignore the client's boundaries

2. To model healthy boundary-setting behaviors

3. To enforce strict boundaries on their own

4. To withdraw support when boundaries are tested

The correct answer is: To model healthy boundary-setting behaviors

A beneficial role of a therapist for clients struggling with boundaries is to model healthy boundary-setting behaviors. Therapists provide a safe space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and past experiences related to boundaries. By demonstrating healthy boundaries within the therapeutic relationship—such as respecting the client's time, privacy, and emotional limits—therapists teach clients how to define and communicate their own boundaries effectively. Modeling involves not only setting personal boundaries but also discussing the rationale behind them with clients. This helps clients understand the significance of boundaries in their relationships and in fostering a sense of self-respect and autonomy. Through this process, clients can learn to assert themselves in various situations, enhancing their interpersonal skills and emotional well-being. In contrast, ignoring a client's boundaries may leave the client feeling unsafe and unsupported, potentially exacerbating their struggles. Enforcing strict boundaries may not give the client the space they need to practice boundary-setting themselves, and withdrawing support when boundaries are tested could undermine the therapeutic relationship and the client's growth. Therefore, modeling healthy boundaries is an essential part of the therapeutic process and helps clients develop their own skills in boundary management.