Abstract
The experience of practicing psychotherapy in a small community with a particular focus on complexity of role and boundary are discussed. It is a general assumption that personal data about the therapist is a variable which is under the control of the therapist. What is not usually considered is the relative lack of control that therapists in small communities possess over what is known about them. Also, the therapist is a member of the community, with a visible way of life. There may be distinctive characteristics of small community practice which warrant particular consideration. Four areas of importance included: (1) The multiplicity of boundary issues that arise in rural practice; (2) The complexity of the role of therapist; (3) The ongoing nature of the therapy relationship; (4) The changed stance of the therapist as an adaptation to the rural community setting.