When Boundaries Blur: Managing Self-Disclosure, Dual Relationships, and Ethical Risk in Therapy
About This Webinar
Self-disclosure, dual relationships, and professional boundaries sit at the heart of ethical and effective therapeutic practice—yet they remain among the most complex and easily mismanaged aspects of clinical work.
Therapist self-disclosure, when used thoughtfully, can deepen alliance and facilitate engagement. However, when driven by unmet therapist needs or insufficient reflection, it can subtly shift the focus away from the client and introduce ethical risk. Determining when, why, and how to disclose requires ongoing clinical judgment and self-awareness.
Dual relationships present a parallel challenge. While sometimes unavoidable, they can compromise objectivity, create conflicts of interest, and place strain on the therapeutic frame. Navigating these situations demands careful consideration, transparency, and adherence to ethical principles.
Boundary violations rarely occur abruptly—they tend to develop gradually through small, seemingly benign shifts in practice. Even experienced clinicians may find themselves at risk, particularly in the context of complex client presentations, strong countertransference, or organisational pressures.
This 150-minute webinar offers a clinically grounded and practical exploration of these three critical domains. Participants will examine common pitfalls, early warning signs, and high-risk scenarios, alongside concrete strategies for maintaining professional boundaries and safeguarding the therapeutic relationship.
THE ETHICS EDGE SERIES
Strengthen your clinical judgment
Master boundaries, self-disclosure, and ethical decision-making
Webinar Details
Venue: Live Webinar. (Includes access to video recording for 90 days).
Date: Wednesday, 29th April, 2026
Time: 6.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. (Sydney/Melbourne Time)
Cost: 49
CPD Certificate: 2.5 Hours CPD certificates are issued to attendees who meet one of the following criteria: attend the live webinar with at least 80% attendance, or watch the webinar recording and complete the associated assessment component.
THE ETHICS EDGE SERIES
Enhance therapeutic safety
Translate ethics into practice—practical tools you can use immediately
About Dr Kris Rao
Kris is a psychotherapist & a psychoanalyst primarily providing long term therapy for complex trauma disorders. He is also a clinical supervisor for the Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychotherapy (ANZAP) training program. He has a Master of Science in Medicine (Psychotherapy) and a Doctorate in Psychoanalysis. Kris teaches ethics & psychodynamic psychotherapy as adjunct faculty at universities and higher education institutions across Australia and New Zealand.