You’ve been treating a client for over two years. The client, grateful for your care after several positive interactions, invites you to grab a coffee to “catch up”. Should you accept?  

Professional boundaries help protect both clients and RDHs. While the interaction may seem casual or friendly, socializing with a client outside of the clinical setting can blur the therapeutic relationship and creates a dual relationship that can affect objectivity and alter how the client perceives the RDH’s professional role.

In this situation, consider whether: 

• The interaction shifts the relationship away from a therapeutic focus. 
• The client may feel expectations or pressure because of the social connection.
• Your professional judgment could be influenced, or appear to be influenced, by the relationship. 

Maintaining clear boundaries supports safe, respectful care and helps prevent situations that could escalate into inappropriate or abusive behaviour. RDHs are expected to avoid dual relationships that could reasonably compromise professional boundaries. 

For more guidance on professional boundaries or sensitive practice, view the Guideline: Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Maintenance of Professional Boundaries and the Registrants’ Handbook. You can also contact the Practice Advisor at advice@cdho.org call 1-800-268-2346 (press 2).