A practical guide
Understanding Boundaries
Boundaries are ways people communicate what they can accept, offer, or take responsibility for. They can help clarify expectations in relationships, work, and care. A boundary is not a way to control someone else, and it may need to be adapted to safety, culture, and circumstances.
What this topic can include
- Your needs, limits, responsibilities, and available capacity.
- Clear, respectful ways to make a request or decline something.
- How power differences or safety concerns can affect boundary-setting.
Optional reflection
Draft a simple boundary statement
- 1Name one situation where you feel overextended or unclear about expectations.
- 2Write a short statement of what you can or cannot do.
- 3If safe, add what you can offer instead or when you can revisit the request.
You are not required to set a boundary directly when doing so could put you at risk.
