Final answer:
The relationship between a therapist and a client should remain professional and boundary-focused, despite a client's emotional needs or behavior that seeks to blur these lines. Therapists must set boundaries and may need to refer clients to additional resources while also taking care of their own well-being.
Step-by-step explanation:
The relationship between a therapist and a client should be professional and focused on the client's treatment and well-being. However, when a client like Michael begins to share emotional details and seeks a friendship outside of the professional boundaries, it can complicate the therapeutic relationship. Therapists are trained to handle such situations and are often prepared to set and enforce boundaries to maintain a professional relationship. Additionally, the therapist needs to address Michael's tardiness as it affects scheduling and the structure necessary for a therapeutic environment.
It's critical for a therapist to recognize when a client needs more support than can be provided in the typical therapeutic setting. In such cases, referral to other resources, such as support groups or additional therapy sessions, may be appropriate. Therapists must also be mindful of their own well-being, as burnout and emotional drain are possible if boundaries are not maintained.