Setting boundaries

2. Boundaries in Slovenian groups

In Slovenian groups, vaguely defined boundaries were associated with burnout syndrome. If professionals are unable to set personal boundaries with young people and shift from the role of professional to that of friend - who shares private information and gossips - creates space for mixing personal and professional life, which can lead to excessive flooding with work matters and subsequently to burnout. A professional should have a clearly defined goal in the relationship, asking more questions than making statements. To reduce asymmetry¹ in the relationship, it is possible to use personal stories in a targeted manner, provided that this is acceptable to both parties.

The topic of personal boundaries was also reflected in discussions and interviews in the dichotomy of power and powerlessness in helping professions. Sometimes, workers take responsibility for the lives of the young people they work with, thereby invalidating them and making them incapable of making their own decisions and taking responsibility for them. In general, professionals in the helping professions only provide young people with alternative options for solving the difficulties they find themselves in, show them different ways to act in their situation, and inform them about the consequences. They accompany them through the various circumstances they encounter on the path they choose. None of these paths is good or bad; they are just different options, each with its own consequences. The decision is theirs, and the decision may also be to do nothing, to remain passive in resolving their situation. Even with such a decision, it is important for young people to have someone standing by them, even if that person does not approve of their actions or inaction. Every person is responsible for their own life, regardless of their situation.

Professional boundaries are defined by competencies that result from education (training) and experience, which in turn determines what professionals dare to do. In the Slovak group, a novice psychologist brought up the topic of suicidal thoughts in a female student. When should I intervene and call in other institutions or important adults? Who should I call? Is there a limit to when I call the parents, police, health professionals, or child welfare services? If I call someone into the situation without the child's permission, will I lose the relationship?

In principle, intervention is provided by a professional within the scope of their education and experience. If they decide that they are not able to handle the situation on their own, it is legitimate to refer the young person to other professionals – a psychotherapist, psychiatrist, or more experienced psychologist. Professional competence can be improved through regular supervision, intervision, and mentoring from senior workers, or by developing skills through various training courses. If it is desirable to involve other professionals or parents in the case, in a low-threshold context, the rule is that this can only be done with the knowledge and consent of the young person. We try to convince/motivate the young person that broader cooperation is necessary for support.