Professional Boundaries Statement for Supervision, Mentoring and Training

Last updated: 1/10/2024

Introduction

This document sets out the professional boundaries that will guide our supervisory, mentoring or training relationship. It aims to create a safe, ethical, and productive environment for our work together. Clients can refer to my boundaries statement for clients.

Please read this alongside my Privacy Policy, which provides details on how I handle and protect your data.

Professional Boundaries Summary

I’ve tried to condense what’s below, but reading the whole document will be more useful!

🤫 Confidentiality: Always confidential, with exceptions only in emergencies to ensure safety.
🌟 Past Connections: We’ll talk about shared spaces or relationships to ensure professionalism.
🌍 Online & In-Person: Professional engagement encouraged; personal connections should be discussed beforehand.
👋 Public Encounters: Let me know if you don’t want to be greeted in person. If you do, tell me how.
⚖️ Dual Roles: Overlapping roles might exist but will be carefully managed to maintain trust and professionalism.
🌸 Cultural Sensitivity: Let’s be open about how culture shapes our understanding of boundaries.
💬 Future Contact: Boundaries and confidentiality remain after our formal work ends, but new collaborations or interactions may occur.

Nature of Our Relationship

Our supervisory or mentoring relationship differs from a therapist-client relationship in key ways:

• Professional Collaboration: I view you as a colleague, and our relationship is designed to promote shared learning and growth.
• Focus on Development: Our work is centred on your professional growth, skill development, and ethical practice—not personal therapy.
• Adaptable Boundaries: While we will maintain professional standards, our interactions may be more flexible than those in a therapist-client dynamic.
• Dual Relationships: It is more common in this context to share other professional spaces (e.g., conferences or research collaborations). These will be managed carefully to avoid conflicts.
• Awareness of Power Dynamics: While I acknowledge the inherent power difference in our relationship, I encourage open dialogue to ensure it doesn’t hinder your progress or our professional interactions.

Our Supervision/Mentoring/Training Relationship

Pre-existing Connections

If we’ve encountered each other in any capacity before beginning this relationship, please let me know. This could include:

• Recognising me from a professional or social setting.
• Awareness of my involvement in specific groups or communities.
• Familiarity with my online presence or activities outside of this professional relationship.
• Shared social circles or personal connections.

Developing Connections

If new personal or social connections emerge during our work together, please let me know, and I will do the same. We’ll discuss any implications for our professional relationship openly and constructively.

Confidentiality

I am committed to maintaining your confidentiality. However, in emergencies where there is an immediate and serious risk to your wellbeing or that of others, I may need to share information with the appropriate authorities. This would only happen in extreme cases, and I will follow legal and ethical guidelines.

Boundaries in Practice

Digital Interactions

• Social Media: Connecting on social media is generally acceptable, but we can discuss any concerns you may have.
• Apps and Online Communities:
  • Professional Spaces: If we encounter each other on platforms like forums or work-related groups, interaction is acceptable and encouraged, provided we maintain a professional tone.
  • Personal Spaces: Interaction in personal online spaces (e.g., private social media accounts and apps) should be approached cautiously and only after mutual agreement.
• Email and Messaging: Communication related to our work will be through agreed professional channels

Physical Encounters

General Principles

• It’s possible we may meet in professional settings. Let me know if you have specific preferences for how we interact in public.
• Interaction can range from a simple nod to a conversation, depending on the context and your comfort. Physical greetings like handshakes or hugs can also be discussed if relevant.
• Regardless of the setting, we should avoid discussing any confidential matters when in public.

Specific Situations

• Professional Events: We may interact as colleagues, but we should remain aware of the context and its potential impact on your professional standing.
• Public or Private Settings: If we meet unexpectedly in a private or social context, a brief, polite acknowledgement is usually sufficient.

Handling Encounters

If either of us feels an interaction is uncomfortable or inappropriate, we should feel free to step away. Any concerns can be addressed in our next session.

Dual Relationships

Dual relationships (e.g., being in the same community group) may arise. If they do, we will:

• Assess their impact on our work.
• Establish clear boundaries for interactions outside of our professional context.
• Discuss transition to another supervisor/mentor/trainer if necessary to maintain professional integrity.

Managing Unavoidable Situations

If we are in a situation where leaving may protect the nature of our working relationship but is not feasible:

• I will try to minimise our interaction and avoid discussing our professional relationship.
• We will review any such incidents in our next session to ensure they do not affect our work.

Recognising Individuals in Case Discussions

If you discuss someone I recognise, I will:

• Inform you immediately.
• Discuss the implications and agree on the best course of action, such as focusing on general principles or referring to another supervisor if needed.
• Prioritise your ethical obligations to your client.

Managing Conflicts of Interest

In situations where conflicts of interest or ethical challenges arise:

• I will prioritise your client’s needs and the integrity of our work together.
• I will reflect carefully and seek supervision as needed.
• If continuing our relationship is not in your best interest, I will support a transition to another supervisor or mentor.

Cultural Considerations

Please feel free to share any cultural factors that may influence your expectations or our work. This might include:

• Communication styles
• Authority dynamics
• Views on mental health or therapy

After Our Work Ends

I continue to place importance on maintaining boundaries that protect the integrity of our work together. This includes:

• Confidentiality: I will uphold confidentiality about our work and your identity as a former supervisee/mentee/trainee unless you request otherwise.
• Future Interactions: If we encounter each other, I will follow the same guidelines outlined in the “Boundaries in Practice” section of this document.
• Professional Boundaries: While we may choose to maintain contact after our work concludes, we must carefully consider the nature of any ongoing interactions to avoid potential conflicts of interest.

Commitment to Ethical Practice

I follow the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Ethical Framework, ensuring professionalism, trust, and ethical integrity throughout our work together.