What is the first step in deciding whether to engage in a boundary extension?

The first step in deciding whether to engage in a boundary extension is to reflect on motivation. Understanding your motivations for extending boundaries is crucial in the ethical decision-making process. Reflecting on why you might want to extend boundaries allows you to assess whether your intentions are in the client's best interest or influenced by personal desires or needs. This reflection promotes self-awareness and helps ensure that the counselor is operating from a position of integrity and professionalism.

Consultation, while important in navigating complex ethical scenarios, often comes after an initial self-reflection. Similarly, reviewing literature or examining risks and benefits can inform decision-making but typically occurs after the counselor has clarified their motivations. Thus, starting with a clear understanding of one's own motivations is essential in ensuring the ethical integrity of the counseling relationship.