Rethinking Boundaries
“To let go is to let be. When we let be with compassion, things come and go on their own.”
— Jack Kornfield, PhD
Boundaries.
These have been coming up again and again in therapy sessions — one that I’ve been sitting with personally as well.
We’ve all heard the language of “setting boundaries” in pop psychology.
It’s become a kind of cultural mantra: protect your peace, cut out what doesn’t serve you, walk away from what hurts.
There’s truth in that — there are absolutely times when a boundary is necessary for safety, healing, and self-respect.
But somewhere along the way, I think we’ve started to lose the nuance that makes boundaries truly transformative.
A boundary isn’t a wall; it’s a doorway.
It’s not about cutting people out of our lives at the first sign of pain or misunderstanding.
Instead, it’s an invitation — an opportunity to share what’s happening inside of us, to offer others a chance to understand us more deeply. When we set a boundary from fear or anger, it can become an act of disconnection.
But when we approach boundaries with curiosity, grace, and empathy, they can actually become bridges.
They say,“Here’s what I need in order to stay connected to you.”
They allow us to move toward one another, rather than away. This is the work I see so many of us doing: learning how to stay in relationship even when it’s hard.
It’s not easy — it asks for self-awareness, humility, and courage. But it’s also where healing happens.
I invite you to reflect on how you approach boundaries in your own life.
What would it look like to set them not as shields, but as invitations — to understanding, to compassion, to deeper connection?
Angie Knable, MA
Client Care Coordinator
Angie works behind the scenes to support both clients and therapists - keeping communication, scheduling, care coordination, and social media support running smoothly so the heart of the work can stay focused on healing and connection.
If you’re looking for more support, click here to schedule a free 15 minute consultation.
