Whether you are a Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Professional Counselor (LPC), Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), or other human service professional, it is clear that these professions are designed to help people.
However, sometimes the line between helping and enabling, as well as being used productively and being taken advantage of, becomes blurred.
This can result in many possibilities for the provider including resentment, burnout, anger, or overwhelm.
We've all experienced the cocktail party scenario where party goers ask to be "analyzed", or want to share their life challenges soon after discovering your profession.
These situations can be awkward or even frustrating for the human service professional.
In fact, today there are over 11,000 members on the Facebook page "Yes I am a Psychologist and no this does not mean I can Read your Mind!" The following includes a few tips for maintaining your sanity in the presence of those who do not demonstrate appropriate boundaries:

• Don't be afraid to say no: When asked to provide services that are only appropriate in a professional setting, respond by saying no.
  This does not mean that you do not care about the person or situation.
  You may provide the person with resource information to help in connecting them with appropriate services.
  
• Kindly let others know that you are off the clock: When a friend asks you to be their therapist or a party-goer asks you to psychoanalyze them, kindly communicate that you are off the clock and only perform these services for clients.
  
• Seek out others who will respect your professional boundaries:Chose people who will respect your verbal limits.
  Minimize exposure to those who disregard or ignore your boundaries.
  
• Let others know where you stand: It's OK to let others know that you are uncomfortable and/or feel that it is inappropriate to be propositioned for professional advice outside of a professional setting.
  
• Evaluate other's ability to provide reciprocity:Observe other's ability to engage in relationships containing reciprocity.
  For example, if you're interested in getting to know someone further but notice that they dominate 90% of most conversations, it may be time to reevaluate