A client who had been in a substance abuse treatment program asks the nurse for a date after the client is discharged. The nurse talks to the client about the importance of a therapeutic relationship and its characteristics. The nurse is using which of the following techniques?

A. Defining boundaries is correct because the nurse is reinforcing the professional limits of the therapeutic relationship and clarifying that it cannot become personal. B. Reprimanding the client would be punitive and non-therapeutic. C. Defining therapy focuses on explaining the process and purpose of therapy, not setting relationship limits. D. Letting the client down gently avoids the necessary professional discussion about boundaries and could blur roles.