PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Gutheil, Thomas G. TI - Boundaries, Blackmail, and Double Binds: A Pattern Observed in Malpractice Consultation DP - 2005 Jan 01 TA - Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online PG - 476--481 VI - 33 IP - 4 4099 - http://jaapl.org/content/33/4/476.short 4100 - http://jaapl.org/content/33/4/476.full SO - J Am Acad Psychiatry Law2005 Jan 01; 33 AB - A scenario common to several boundary violation/sexual misconduct cases is reviewed and discussed. Common features include an articulate patient whose high functionality concealed more primitive dynamics that arose in the therapy; boundary problems, often on an “attempted rescue” basis; and eventual litigation in some form. The patient's high functioning appeared to cause the therapists to underestimate the severity of the patients' disturbances. Drawing on forensic experience, the author analyses the cases and suggests risk management approaches.