A client being labeled “demanding” gets you absolutely no where and does not find solutions. What are they after? How do we help them get this type of interaction in a better way? What would happen if they weren’t demanding? That piece is likely controlling the behavior. An example may be that a client is calling again and again in between sessions expressing suicidal ideation but you don’t think they’re actually a threat to themselves just wants to “complain” about their life and social situation. What I see is not a demanding client but a client who does not have the social skills needed to engage in meaningful sustained relationships, and we now have the opportunity to teach these skills. All behavior is reasonable and rational.

Managing boundary issues in mental health requires upholding professionalism while providing clients with a supportive and safe therapeutic environment. This is what I have been working on with clients lately. 1. Set Clear Professional Boundaries 2. Avoid Dual Relationships 3. Manage Emotional Boundaries 4. Maintain Physical & Time Boundaries 5. Handle Gifts & Personal Requests Carefully 6. Use Supervision & Ethical Guidelines

To navigate boundary issues with a demanding client, I maintain clear yet professional communication. I set expectations early by outlining response times and availability while ensuring they feel heard and valued. Prioritizing urgent matters while scheduling regular check-ins helps balance attention and efficiency. If they seek constant updates, I provide concise, proactive progress reports to reduce excessive follow-ups. Politely reinforcing boundaries while remaining empathetic ensures a productive relationship without compromising workflow or service quality.

In navigating issues of setting and respecting boundaries, clear comunication is essential. They should be specific set limits, agreements should be documented and there's need for consistent enforcement, regularly review and revise as needed.

One thing that I’ve learned from dealing with a demanding client is just reassurance. What I mean by that is telling them that I’m here whenever they need me but they also have to understand that they are not my only client. Doing that has made it much easier to deal with a demanding client.