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 respect is presented at 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
● Sexual 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. No one likes their personal space to be invaded, particularly by people we are around because we work with them. Physical boundaries also include respecting when your clients are hesitant to simple gestures like a hug or handshake and not crossing that line. The same principle goes for items owned by those around you as well.
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. 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.
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 emotion take it personally and end up having bad blood with a colleague over something that was only suggested. This sets an opposite expectation for your practice than intended. Your staff wants to be heard and appreciated, not scared of what your opinion might be.
4) Sexual Boundaries
This should go without saying, but do not sleep with your clients, coworkers, or their clients. This is one of the most important boundaries you must set for your practice. Make sure this is clear when it comes to writing out your policy for both onboarding staff and new clients because while it’s understood this should not happen, it still could and needs to be predisposed. Sexual boundaries also pertain to not pushing clients to explore an area of their life they’re not yet comfortable with and granting the ability to identify however they feel without judgments. You are their therapist, after all, your job is to help them find comfort within themselves and this starts with you.
5) 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 your staff to feel comfortable upping their prices as well; no one wants to out-earn the boss. Make sure the rates you offer are an accurate reflection of the work being done in your office.
6) 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 towards (or not toward) and the responsibility to put it toward what’s good for us is an extremely important part of your policy. Setting these boundaries for yourself and how you come off to your staff sets a conjecture of aimless guidelines when they’re not followed. If you’re in the office much longer (or shorter) than you scheduled yourself, how does this get perceived by your staff? Eliminate the potential worry and follow through with designating the appropriate time to each facet in your life.
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 6 examples in your policy, and notice the dynamic you’ll be able to create in your workplace.