BETWEEN THE CHAIR AND THE DOOR - BOUNDARY ISSUES IN THE THERAPEUTIC TRANSITION ZONE

Empirical and consultative experience reveals that damaging boundary v iolations begin insidiously and are progressive. During the segment of the therapy session that occurs ''between the chair and the door,'' p atients and therapists are more vulnerable to committing boundary excu rsions and violations. We suggest that inchoate boundary violations wi th a potential for damaging progression usually first appear within th is interval. This part of the session can be scrutinized for early war ning of boundary violations and studied for its instructive value in r isk management and prevention of sexual misconduct.