Support Network Boundaries — Clinician dialogue

Invite and obtain permission

Offer: "Would it be useful to explore support network boundaries using an ordinary or fictional example? We can adapt it, observe, or stop." Ask what the person wants from the conversation.

Elicit before teaching

Ask: "How does this show up, if at all, in your own words?" Offer this idea tentatively: Support can be sought while protecting privacy and avoiding isolation. Ask what fits and what does not.

Guide the task

Choose trusted people, what may be shared, and what kind of help is wanted; do not require secrecy about harm. Ask for permission before giving an example. Use this fictional illustration if useful: Lee wants one friend for practical support and a clinician for processing.

Reflect and check accuracy

Reflect only what was offered: "I heard you describe ___. What did I miss?" Ask: Who can help without taking over your decisions? Avoid assigning motives or interpreting silence as agreement.

Respond to a mismatch

If the person rejects the frame, say: "Thank you for correcting it. What would be more useful?" Return to their language or choose a different approach.

Close with agency

Ask which observation, question, or support request the person wants to keep. Confirm a manageable ending and appropriate follow-up; do not turn a tentative possibility into a homework obligation.

Prompts for this resource

1. Readiness, permission, cultural context, and access needs to check:
2. Who can help without taking over your decisions?
3. What would tell me to adapt, stop, or seek supervision?