All support workers in the disability sector are required to work closely with their clients. As a support worker, you are also expected to build a strong rapport with your clients. However, as humans, it is challenging to establish the line between being a friend and a carer. Which is why we are here to talk about how to maintain a healthy and professional relationship with your clients by setting boundaries.
But before we get into the details, here’s what you need to know about professional boundaries.
What does it mean by professional boundaries in support work?
Think of professional boundaries in support work like a set of rules that help everyone involved—support workers and the people they’re helping—feel comfortable and respected. It’s kind of like having a clear line between what’s okay and what’s not okay in terms of how support workers and the people they’re helping interact.
If you have set professional boundaries, you enable a healthy and respectful relationship between you and your clients. Professional boundaries are made to make sure everyone feels safe, valued, and that you can do your job well without crossing any lines.
5 Tips to Maintain Professional Boundaries in Support Work
1. Know Your Role Inside Out
One of the most important ways to maintain your professional boundaries with a client is by digging into what your job entails. For instance, you need to study a map before you embark on a journey; knowing your role’s ins and outs is your compass for setting those all-important boundaries.
Once you have acknowledged your job’s role, make sure you let your clients understand what they can expect from you. The same thing goes to what you expect from them in terms of behaviour and communication. Therefore, if you have a crystal-clear understanding of your duty as a support worker, your professional identity sets the stage for effective boundary management.
2. Talk, Listen, Repeat
Next on the list is to practise active listening. Actively listen to your clients to understand their needs and concerns. Think of yourself as a caring friend or family member who’s really good at listening. When your clients talk, be all ears.
Show empathy and support, but avoid sharing personal information or becoming emotionally enmeshed. Maintain a balance between being empathetic and maintaining a professional distance.
3. Keep Personal Feelings in Check
Picture this: you’re having a heart-to-heart with someone close to you. While it’s good to be open and relatable, avoid oversharing personal stories unless they’re directly relevant to your client’s situation. Stay focused on their needs.
4. Set Communication Rules
Think of communication rules like setting up a meeting point. Let your clients know when and where they can find you. This avoids any surprises and keeps everyone on the same page.
Therefore, consider your client like a friend you’re helping out. Set some ground rules for when you’re available and how you prefer to communicate. Stick to those rules to keep the relationship professional.
5. Seek Guidance from Your Supervisors
Just like you’d turn to a trusted friend for advice, it’s okay to seek help from supervisors or colleagues when things get tricky. If you discuss those challenging situations or cases where boundaries are put to the test, getting input from others can be invaluable.
Therefore, seeking supervision helps you gain perspective and maintain professional boundaries effectively.
Remember that maintaining professional boundaries is an ongoing process that requires self-awareness and diligence. By setting clear expectations, practising active listening, limiting self-disclosure, managing communication boundaries, and seeking support when needed, you can provide effective support to clients while upholding ethical and professional standards.