Setting Boundaries, With Yourself and Others

What is a boundary?

A boundary is a limit or space between you and another person or place.

Lack of boundaries or lack of limits can cause:

• Resentment
• Anxiety
• Burn out
• Feeling unappreciated

Setting boundaries with others:

• “Please move back a little.”
• “That joke made me feel uncomfortable.”
• “I don’t appreciate it when you tell me how to feel.”
• “I am not able to meet with you on Tuesday.”
• “I cannot come to the party this weekend.”
• “Please do not call me after 8pm.”

Setting boundaries with yourself:

• “I will not stay up past 11pm on work nights.”
• “I will worry about this for 10 more minutes, then I will move on to something else.”
• “I will work on my homework for 1 hour, then I will take a 15 minute break.”

How to implement your boundary:

• Be clear and direct.
• Uphold your boundary. If you tell someone not to call you after 8pm, they might still call you. It’s okay not to answer.

If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment or you’d like more information, please contact us.