INCIDENTAL ENCOUNTERS BETWEEN THERAPISTS AND THEIR CLIENTS

Data about incidental encounters with clients in public settings were provided by 573 college therapists (return rate = 32%), using Flanagan's (1954) critical incident technique. Results indicated that many therapists experience feelings of surprise, uncertainty, and discomfort, as well as concern about possible violation of confidentiality and therapeutic boundaries during such encounters. Implications for future research are discussed in light of these findings.