Boundaries

Boundaries are guidelines, rules or limits that a person creates to identify for themselves what are reasonable, safe and permissible ways for other people to behave around them and how they will respond when someone steps outside those limits. The purpose of setting a healthy boundary is to protect and take good care of yourself.

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Healthy boundaries are those boundaries that are set to make sure you are mentally and emotionally stable. Our boundaries might be rigid, loose, somewhere in between, or even non-existent.

The easiest way to think about a boundary is a property line. We have all seen “No Trespassing” signs, which send a clear message that if you violate that boundary, there will be a consequence. This type of boundary is easy to picture and understand because you can see the sign and the border it protects. Personal boundaries can be harder to define because the lines are invisible, can change, and are unique to each individual.

The importance of setting boundaries for yourself is: to practice self-care and self-respect; to communicate your needs in a relationship; to make time and space for positive interactions; and to set limits in a relationship in a way that is healthy.

Who is this service for?

We could all do with a boundary check-up. However, anyone who is particularly struggling with any of the following would benefit from this service:

Struggling with your identity or dependent/reliant on someone else
Experiencing feelings of resentment, anger towards others
Feeling burnt out at work or with relationships
Issues with stress, financial burdens, wasted time, and relationship
Sharing too much too soon or, at the other end of the spectrum, closing yourself off and not expressing your needs and wants
Feeling responsible for others’ happiness
Inability to say “no” for fear of rejection or abandonment
Weak sense of your own identity – you base how you feel about yourself on how others treat you
Disempowerment – you allow others to make decisions for you; consequently, you feel powerless and do not take responsibility for your own life.

How we can help you...

Developing healthy boundaries can be challenging to begin with. Knowing where you need to set a boundary may not always be obvious. You may feel selfish, guilty or embarrassed initially, pushing through the discomfort and recognise that you have the right to self-care will help you achieve the following advantages of healthy boundaries:

Helping you identify what you will and will not hold yourself responsible for
Helping you make decisions based on what is best for you
Development of self-identity
Good emotional health
Development of autonomy
Good mental health
Avoidance of burnout
Influence other’s behaviour towards yourself
Be assertive. Confidently and truthfully say “yes” or “no” and be okay when others say “no” to you

If you would like to arrange a “boundary check up” or are experiencing other issues related to boundaries, our Psychologists at Thriving Minds Psychology Clinic are here to help. P 0428 088 671.

Are you ready to take the next step?

We are dedicated to redefining your experience of therapy. Our client support team is available to support you with questions and enquiries. Booking your appointment is easy, call us on 0428 088 671 or book online by following the link below

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