I read an article about therapists working with a Latino population. They were taught to have strict boundaries so no touch, no accepting gifts, no self-disclosure. By the book rules.

But what they found is that this didn't work for the clients. They found themselves modifying their "rules" and "boundaries" to accommodate the cultural differences. And to much success.

They later found out that there is a whole body of literature that supports this view and adaptation so they changed their minds.

Remaining flexible and open has to be part of a therapist's mind set. Otherwise they can do harm and serve themselves, even if seems "on principle" or based on "rules."