Global Grief Network logoGGN Advanced Applied Grief Practice
Global Grief Network Education Center
Module 4 of 6

Boundaries and Dual Roles

About 1 hour

If you or someone you know may be in danger right nowCall 988Text 988Immediate danger: call 911

988 is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the United States. It is free, confidential, and open 24/7 by call, text, or chat at 988lifeline.org. Veterans: dial 988 then press 1. Outside the US, use your local emergency number or crisis line. This program is education, not crisis care. If you are struggling as you read, please pause and reach out now.

Lessons in this module
  1. Why boundaries matter
  2. Dual roles
  3. Gifts, contact, and self disclosure

Objectives

By the end of this module you will be able to:

Lesson

Why boundaries matter

Boundaries protect the people you support and protect you. They keep the focus on the grieving person and make support safe and trustworthy.

Dual roles

A dual role happens when you have more than one relationship with someone, such as supporting a neighbor, coworker, or member of your faith community. Dual roles are common in small communities. Talk openly about them, and step back or refer when they could cause harm.

Gifts, contact, and self disclosure

Follow your organization's guidance on gifts and personal contact. Share personal experiences only briefly and only when it helps the other person. Notice boundary drift, such as late night texting or growing personal reliance, and correct it kindly.

GGN reminder: Clear boundaries are a form of care for everyone involved.
GGN practiceBoundary scan (about 10 minutes)

List your current support relationships. Note any dual roles or signs of boundary drift. Write one step for each. If this brings up pain, pause and reach out to someone you trust, or call or text 988.

Fictional composite caseFictional Composite Case 4.1: The late night texts

This case is a fictional composite written by the Global Grief Network for learning. It does not describe any real person.

Peer supporter Dana began receiving texts late at night from a person she supports, Leo. She replied every time. Over weeks, Leo began saying Dana was the only one who understood him.

Questions to consider:

  1. What boundary issue is developing?
  2. What could Dana do?

Discussion: Boundary drift and growing reliance are developing. Dana can kindly reset expectations about contact times, help Leo widen his support network, share crisis numbers including 988 for after hours, and talk with her supervisor.

Reflection Prompts

  1. Where are your boundaries strong, and where do they drift?
  2. Which dual roles do you hold?
  3. How do you handle self disclosure?

Module 4 Quiz

Choose one answer per question, then check your answers. You need 4 of 5 correct to pass, and every critical item must be correct. You can retake it any time.