California Law and Ethics Practice Exam

Which of the following is an example of a boundary crossing?

1. A practitioner having a dual relationship with a client.

2. A practitioner accepting a non-traditional gift from a client.

3. A practitioner providing therapeutic services to a friend.

4. A practitioner terminating the therapy suddenly.

The correct answer is: A practitioner accepting a non-traditional gift from a client.

A boundary crossing refers to a departure from the commonly accepted practices of professional boundaries, which typically does not harm the client or disrupt the therapeutic relationship. Accepting a non-traditional gift from a client exemplifies a scenario where the practitioner is stepping outside the ordinary boundary lines that are usually maintained in a professional relationship. This can create potential conflicts, expectations, or obligations that could affect the therapeutic rapport. In contrast, while dual relationships and providing therapeutic services to friends can also present significant ethical issues, they generally represent more severe boundary violations than simply accepting a gift. Terminating therapy suddenly can cause harm to a client and typically would be classified as abandonment rather than a mere boundary crossing. Thus, accepting a non-traditional gift from a client captures the essence of a boundary crossing by indicating a moment where usual professional limits are tested without necessarily establishing a harmful outcome.