What are some signs that a therapist may have poor boundaries with their clients?

These items can happen fleetingly, briefly, in any therapy, but if they’re frequent, it’s definitely time for the therapist to get some good, solid supervision/consultation.

Eager anticipation (or anxious anticipation) of the next session in ways that distract.

Failing to mention the client in supervision/consultation, out of fear the supervisor/consultant will advise return to ordinary healthy boundaries.

Seahawks coach sounds off on ‘crazy’ Sam Darnold QB controversy after $100 million star’s rough practice - New York Post

Obsessing about clients outside of work hours.

Off the top of my ancient head:

Session-expressed curiosities about client details not relevant to the therapy.

Latest WA shipping and tourism numbers tell a depressing story - The Seattle Times

Frequent phoning or texting of clients to “check up on them and make sure they’re OK.”

Serious disappointment when the client cancels a session.

Struggling with fantasies of deeper connections with clients, whether sexual or parental or other intense or intimate relationships beyond psychotherapy.

Apple brings Apple Intelligence to the iPhone screen at WWDC 2025 - TechCrunch

Disclosing feelings, fantasies, and experiences to the client in ways not related to the work the client is engaged in.

Routinely going over the time limit with certain patients, compromising the time for the next client.

General Introduction to Boundaries from Panahi Counseling:

Cisco Powers Secure Infrastructure for the AI Era - Cisco Newsroom

Sense of competition with persons who are important in the client’s life.