Episode 16: Defining Patient-Provider Relationship Boundaries

In this episode, we explore how to establish healthy patient-provider boundaries around discussing personal matters. Sammy describes a patient experience that started as a discussion of pain-related stress and evolved into the patient sharing personal conflicts, relational issues, and more. 

Sammy felt uncomfortable and realized that the patient was seeking emotional support that exceeded her scope of practice. After multiple attempts to redirect and focus on PT, she had a direct conversation with the patient. 

These types of situations can challenge our personal and professional boundaries. Each of our definitions of “oversharing” varies, however, practicing with emotional intelligence does not mean you have to do the emotional work for your patients.

We share techniques for redirecting people, what’s worked and what hasn’t for us. We hope that this episode helps you maintain your integrity in your relationship with patients.

Highlights from our conversation in Episode 16

• (0:55) We discuss Sammy’s experience with a patient oversharing 
• (11:32) Responding to and redirecting emotional dumping
• (16:07) Identifying the difference between disclosure and venting 
• (18:34) Does the patient need a new therapist?
• (20:38) How your emotional intelligence can help you navigate this situation 

Thank you for listening to The Conscious Clinician. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and write a review for the podcast to grow our community. Keep the conversation going by following The Conscious Clinician on Instagram and Facebook. 

Resources from Episode 16

• (6:23) The Mountain Metaphor
• (6:33, 21:48) Emotional Intelligence for Healthcare Providers 

Let’s Connect!

• Find us on Facebook
• Connect over Instagram @TheConsciousClinician
• Connect professionally over LinkedIn with Sammy & Monika