Audiology: Remediating Boundary Issues: Triangulation and Self-Care

Audiologists fill multiple roles in the lives of their clients. The audiologist is the limited-time caretaker of the client's loved one, the knowledgeable expert about speech and hearing, and sometimes, the trusted confidant. The fiduciary relationship that exists between client and clinician, however, is inherently and intentionally one-sided. Unfortunately, professionals who struggle with self-care and who lack awareness of self may find themselves faced with crossing boundaries or entangled in the complex web of relationships in their clients' lives. In this article, the authors examine relationship triangles (triangulation) and knowledge of self and self care as they relate to the audiologist's role with client management.