Law and Ethics Practice Exam

Which scenario exemplifies poor clinical boundaries for a therapist?

1. A therapist goes to lunch with a client with an eating disorder.

2. A therapist visits a client in the hospital after a suicide attempt.

3. A therapist brings a child with attachment issues to her home for a play therapy session.

4. A therapist goes to the grocery store with a client with agoraphobia.

The correct answer is: A therapist brings a child with attachment issues to her home for a play therapy session.

The scenario that exemplifies poor clinical boundaries for a therapist is when a therapist brings a child with attachment issues to her home for a play therapy session. This situation raises several concerns about boundary violations. Therapists are generally expected to maintain a professional distance to preserve the integrity of the therapeutic relationship. Conducting therapy in a therapist's private home can blur the lines between professional and personal contexts, potentially leading to confusion for the child regarding the nature of the relationship. Additionally, it poses risks related to confidentiality and the safety of the therapeutic environment. The home setting does not provide the same structure and safety as a professional therapy office, which can impact the effectiveness of the therapy and the child's sense of security. In contrast, the other scenarios involve actions that could be considered acceptable within clinical practice, as they do not cross established boundaries in the same disruptive manner. For example, going to lunch with a client or visiting a client in the hospital may be seen as supportive gestures, although they should be approached with caution and professional guidelines. Similarly, accompanying a client with agoraphobia to the grocery store might be part of exposure therapy, aimed at helping the client gradually confront their fears in a controlled manner. However, the key issue remains that bringing a child