A constructivist grounded theory study of mental health clinicians' boundary maintenance

This study sought to understand how mental health clinicians (MHC) establish and maintain the professional boundary in their everyday practice. The findings indicate the establishment and maintenance of the professional boundary and the continual process of engaging the client are inextricably linked. Furthermore the use of interpersonal and professional skills are necessary to establish and maintain the professional boundary on an ongoing basis. A basic social process of engaging clients emerged from the analysis and indicated that a broader understanding of establishing and maintaining boundaries within the mental health context was warranted.