What Even Are Boundaries? A Therapist’s Guide to Setting Limits That Actually Work

Boundaries- A Therapist’s Guide to Setting Limits That Actually Work

You’ve probably seen it on TikTok, heard it in podcasts, or read it in your favorite self-help book:
“Just set a boundary.”

But if you’ve ever tried to actually do it—in a relationship, at work, or with your family—you know it’s not always that simple.

At Healing Space Therapy Collective, we hear from clients every day who are learning to set boundaries for the first time. Whether you’re struggling with people-pleasing, emotional burnout, or difficult family dynamics, therapy can help you build boundaries that feel empowering, not scary.

Let’s talk about what boundaries really are, why they’re so important, and how to create ones that actually stick—especially in a city as relational and culturally rich as Miami.

Boundaries Are More Than Buzzwords

Boundaries are the emotional, physical, mental, and time-related limits we set to protect our well-being. They’re not walls or ultimatums—they’re acts of self-awareness and self-respect.

Types of boundaries include:

• Emotional boundaries: Protecting your energy, emotions, and space for processing

• Physical boundaries: Your comfort with touch, personal space, and physical closeness

• Time boundaries: Managing how much time you give to others vs. yourself

• Digital boundaries: What you’re willing to share, respond to, or tolerate online

• Relational boundaries: Clarifying what is and isn’t okay in your relationships

You might need to set a boundary when:

• You feel drained after interactions

• You’re saying “yes” out of guilt or obligation

• You’re constantly available, even when it costs you your peace

• You’re tolerating disrespect, manipulation, or emotional overextension

Why Boundaries Are So Hard—Especially in Family and Culture

Setting boundaries is often easier said than done. Many of us weren’t taught what healthy boundaries look like growing up, and for first-generation or Latinx individuals, it can feel even more complicated.

In Hispanic culture, strong family ties, loyalty, and collectivism are core values. These are beautiful strengths—but they can sometimes make boundary-setting feel like betrayal, disrespect, or selfishness. It’s not uncommon to hear things like:

• “You don’t say no to your parents.”

• “Family comes first, always.”

• “Why are you being distant?”

• “That’s just how we do things in this family.”

If you grew up with these messages, it’s understandable that saying "I need space" or "I can’t help right now" might feel uncomfortable or even wrong.

In therapy, we help clients honor their cultural values while also developing boundaries that support their mental health. It’s not about rejecting your culture—it’s about learning how to reclaim your voice and agency, even within deeply rooted traditions.

How Therapy Helps You Build Real, Lasting Boundaries

At Healing Space Therapy Collective, we support clients as they:

• Identify where their limits are (and where they’ve been crossed)

• Learn to tolerate the discomfort of disappointing others

• Practice assertive communication that’s clear and kind

• Explore guilt, shame, or fear around boundary-setting

• Develop language that fits their cultural, relational, and personal values

• Build emotional safety around their needs, time, and priorities

Whether you’re trying to create distance in a toxic friendship, say no to extra responsibilities at work, or ask for more space in your romantic relationship—therapy offers tools, language, and emotional support every step of the way.

Boundary-Setting Isn’t Selfish—It’s Self-Respect

If you’ve been taught that good people sacrifice, accommodate, or absorb—this might feel new. Uncomfortable, even.

But here’s the truth: Setting boundaries is one of the most compassionate things you can do—for yourself and your relationships.

Because when you’re honest about what you need, your relationships become more authentic, respectful, and sustainable.

Want to learn how to set healthy boundaries?

Our team of therapists—offering in-person sessions in Aventura and Coral Gables, and Telehealth throughout Florida—can help you build boundaries that protect your mental health without compromising your cultural identity or values.

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