Boundary Management for Cognitive Behavioral Therapies

In recent years, the scholarship regarding professional boundaries has increased significantly in a variety of areas. Despite many advances in this line of research, less attention has been devoted to the question of boundary maintenance and its relationship to theoretical orientation. In this article we examine these issues for cognitive-behavioral therapies. After a brief historical review of the evolution of the concept of boundaries, we select three procedures integral to cognitive-behavioral practice and discuss how they may create boundary problems for practitioners. We conclude with recommendations for practice.