Build on the following initial discussion using the video, The Counselor as Person and Professional. Corey, G. (Director). (2010).[Video/DVD] American Counseling Association. Retrieved from https://video.alexanderstreet.com/watch/the-counselor-as-person-and-professional and Kagle, Jill Doner, and Pam Northrup Giebelhausen. "Dual relationships and professional boundaries." Social Work, vol. 39, no. 2, Mar. 1994, pp. 213+. Gale Academic OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A15296130/AONE?u=esc&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=2bbefc7f. Accessed 31 May 2025 research sources, demonstrate an understanding of the topic being addressed, and explain the terms, concepts, and theories from the textbook. Provide in text citations. Professional boundaries in counseling and therapy are essential for an effective therapeutic relationship. Boundaries are meant to protect clients and therapists in like manner. Boundaries ensure professional integrity is safeguarded, encourages an environment conducive for healing and are designed to prevent issues such as countertransference. Corey (2024) presents that countertransference consists of a therapist's expectations that influences how they perceive and respond to a client and occurs when the therapist projects their own personal emotions and experiences onto the client. This outcomes includes the triggering of an emotional reaction, defensive responses, and having their open issues involved wherein they lose the ability to be present in a relationship. Mental health professionals must be cognizant of their own reactions to the client and their situation/issues, prioritizing the maintenance of healthy boundaries with a client. Let's evaluate possible boundary issues that may occur during the course of treatment and how they should be addressed ethically. As in the "Case of Stan: Gift Giving" video, a potential boundary resulted from a client, giving a gift to the therapist. Some points were agreed upon, including that though seemingly harmless gestures, they may create blurred lines within the therapist-client relationship. Accepting gifts could leave the therapist feeling obligated or their objectivity affected. According to Corey (2024), therapists should consider the cleve client's intention behind the gift, the meaning it holds to the client, and its potential impact to the therapist-client relationship. In such instance it's important to talk about the intent of the gift with the client and examine any contrary indications. This allows for a well informed decision concerning the acceptance of the gift while remaining compliant with ethical guidelines and the established boundaries in therapy. Another potential boundary includes engaging in relationships with clients outside of therapy. This compromises professional boundaries and creates a conflict of interest so should be avoided. If unable to avoid, as in small communities, therapists should navigate possible situations with transparency being lead by ethical guidelines to prevent the compromise of the therapeutic relationship. In conclusion, upholding a professional relationship requires the maintenance of boundaries in fostering integrity and effectiveness of the therapeutic process. As depicted in the video, "Case of Stan: Gift Giving", issues of possible compromise to ethical boundary should be addressed by counselors, should include ethical decision-making models, should include seeking supervision, and adherence to established guidelines as of the American Counseling Association (ACA). **References:** Corey, G. (2024). *Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy* (11th Edition). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning