Boundaries in our work

Boundaries are an important part of keeping our work safe, respectful, and supportive. They help protect us both, and make sure our sessions stay focused on your wellbeing. This document explains how I approach boundaries in different situations, so you know what to expect and what won’t be possible within therapy.

Encounters in social settings or outside the therapy room

Even though London is big, we may occasionally bump into each other — whether on the street, in a bar, restaurant, or at a public event. If that happens, I will not initiate contact. This isn’t me being rude — it’s to protect your privacy and confidentiality. If I’m with friends, I won’t then be placed in the position of having to explain who you are, and if you’re with others, you may not want to share that I am your therapist.

If you choose to acknowledge me, I will acknowledge you in return, but I won’t engage in a longer conversation. I also won’t talk about your therapy with you outside the therapy room, even if you bring it up. This protects your privacy and helps keep our sessions as the safe space where therapy happens.

Social media and online contact

I do not currently use social media professionally or personally, and I will not connect with or engage with clients through social media platforms. This protects your confidentiality and helps keep our therapeutic relationship clear and professional.

Dual relationships

I am bound by the ethical codes of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) to avoid dual or multiple relationships. A dual relationship is where I could be both your therapist and hold another role in your life at the same time (for example, as a friend, colleague, or business associate). These overlaps can affect the safety and clarity of therapy, so I take care to avoid them.

Clients known socially or indirectly

At times, someone may approach me for therapy who I know only very slightly — for example, as a friend of a friend, or someone I’ve met in passing. Where this happens, I will carefully consider whether I am the right therapist for you. Sometimes the connection may be so minimal that it does not interfere with therapy. Other times, it may mean that therapy would not be appropriate with me. I would always discuss this openly with you and reflect on it in supervision before deciding how best to proceed. If needed, I may refer you to another therapist.

Clients who know each other

It’s possible that two people I see in therapy may also know each other socially, without realising they are both my clients. If this happens, I will not disclose this to either of you, as doing so would break confidentiality. I would never tell one client that I work with someone they know unless I had their explicit permission.

I also understand that in an interconnected world, boundaries can be tested when clients become friends, colleagues, or even partners. My approach in these situations is to “bracket” what I know about the other person when I am with you, so it does not interfere with our work. I aim to see them only through your eyes and experience.

In some cases, it may be best for one of you to work with another therapist. If that ever became necessary, I would reflect carefully on the situation in supervision and talk it through with you before reaching a decision. My priority is always your wellbeing and the integrity of the therapy.

When a client talks about someone I know

If you speak about someone I know personally, I will “bracket” my own knowledge and ensure that my focus stays fully on your experience. I would also take this to supervision, so that I can reflect on the situation and continue to hold the therapy space clearly and ethically for you.

Friendships with former clients

In most cases, I do not become friends with former clients. This is because it can be difficult to shift the relationship away from a therapeutic one. If our lives naturally overlap through work or mutual friends, it may be possible to establish a social connection — but only after at least one year has passed since therapy ended, and only after an explicit conversation in which we agree clear new boundaries.

Outside of this, I will maintain a respectful and appropriate distance if we encounter each other after therapy has ended.

Romantic or sexual relationships

This is one of the clearest boundaries in therapy: I will never enter into a romantic or sexual relationship with a client or a former client, under any circumstances. This is an absolute boundary, grounded in professional ethics and my personal values.

Public talks, writing, and workshops

From time to time, I may give talks, lead workshops, or publish writing about general therapy topics such as anxiety, trauma, or wellbeing. I would never share anything about your therapy or include identifiable details about any of my clients.

If you come across my work in these settings, it is worth considering how this might affect you while you are in therapy with me. Some people prefer to avoid my talks or writing during this time, while others may find it useful or interesting. This is entirely your choice, and I trust you to decide what feels right for you.

Whatever you decide, our sessions together will always remain private and separate, with the focus entirely on you.

Talking about boundaries together

If at any point you feel unsure or concerned about boundaries in our work, I encourage you to bring this into the session. Talking about boundaries can be an important and useful part of therapy, and I will always listen and take your concerns seriously.