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Chapter 6


provider that sounds questionable, always take the time to verify the information directly with the other professional. It is tempting to relate to an individual in your care, espe-


cially if he or she is close to you in age, reminds you of someone you know, grew up in your same hometown, or shares other characteristics with you. It is entirely possi- ble that under different circumstances the two of you would have become friends. But your relationship as patient and RDN cannot move past certain professional boundaries. It is not unusual for patients to unconsciously dimin-


ish the authority of their providers by treating them more like peers or friends. Bringing you a latte, offering to fix you up on a date, calling you by a nickname—all of these are examples of simple ways that a patient may attempt to decrease the power differential between the two of you. It is preferable that you speak with another provider on the team, especially a mental health provider, to gauge the sig- nificance of this behavior and the potential harm versus benefits of discussing it with the patient. In some cases, you may decide to leave it alone, not


bringing the attempted boundary violations into conversa- tion but consciously keeping your boundaries and actions professional. In other cases, with the support of your treat- ment team, you or the therapist may comment to the patient on his or her behavior and express your wishes that your relationship stay strictly professional. When patients are learning new ways of behaving, as they must in order to recover, receiving redirection from you or another mem- ber of the treatment team can feel like a rejection that then impairs your working relationship. You should not remain in uncomfortable situations to avoid rocking the boat with a patient. Speaking with another professional (even one who does not know the patient, as in professional supervi- sion or mentoring) is the best way to determine your course of action, whether verbal redirection, intervention from


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