What Is the Difference Between a Boundary Crossing and a Boundary Violation

A boundary crossing is a deviation from classical therapeutic activity that is harmless, non-exploitative, and possibly supportive of the therapy itself. In contrast, a boundary violation is harmful or potentially harmful, to the patient and the therapy. It constitutes exploitation of the patient.

What does boundary violation mean?

Boundary violation means crossing verbal, physical, emotional, and social lines that an educator must maintain in order to ensure structure, security, and predictability in an educational environment.

What are the consequences of crossing boundaries?

Boundaries have consequences. When they don’t, you teach people the behavior is acceptable. Often, when a boundary is crossed, people get angry but don’t know what to do beyond that. They end up repeating what they need and being disappointed.