Boundaries in online couples therapy: “Can anything exist without boundaries?”

Objective: This research delved into the experiences of couples and therapists in online couples therapy with an emphasis on therapeutic boundaries. Background: Although the popularity of online therapy has surged, limited understanding exists about the meanings and experiences tied to therapeutic boundaries in this context, underscoring the need for its examination to enhance online therapy's effectiveness. Method: A purposive sample of 51 participants, including 36 individuals (comprising 18 couples who underwent separate interviews), and 15 couple and family therapists were interviewed in four online focus groups. Constructivist grounded theory guided the data analysis to discern therapeutic boundary dimensions. Results: The analysis identified three dimensions of therapeutic boundaries: (a) boundaries between the therapist and couple, (b) boundaries between the couple and their family, and (c) boundaries between the therapists and their own families. Conclusion: The study offers insights into the nuanced concept of liminality within therapists' and couples' transition to online couples therapy, particularly emphasizing disruptions in conventional therapeutic paradigms. Implications: To uphold the integrity and bolster the therapeutic alliance in online couples therapy, there is a compelling need for therapists to transition toward novel means of establishing boundaries, moving away from traditional constructs.