Who can set boundaries in a relationship between a DSP and a person they support?

In healthy relationships, especially in supportive roles such as between a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and the person they support, setting boundaries is a mutual process. Both the DSP and the person being supported play critical roles in determining what is comfortable and appropriate within their relationship.

The person being supported has valuable insights into their needs, comfort levels, and preferences, which are essential for creating effective boundaries. Allowing the individual to express their thoughts on boundaries fosters empowerment and respects their autonomy.

On the other hand, the DSP brings their professional experience and understanding of appropriate boundaries in a supportive context. They also need to establish their own limits to maintain a healthy, professional, and ethical relationship. This balanced approach ensures both parties are actively engaging in the boundary-setting process, which can contribute to trust, safety, and effective support.

In contrast, limiting boundary-setting to only one party—be it the person being supported, the DSP, or family members—can lead to an imbalance of power and communication issues, potentially undermining the relationship's effectiveness. Therefore, recognizing that either party can set boundaries highlights the collaborative nature of supportive relationships.