20190916031224feedback15sep19 x
Please read the responses in the attached document and provide a brief detailed comments. See the attached document for further instructions
Re: Topic 4 DQ 1: Define countertransference. What countertransference reactions have concerned you thus far in your practicum?
Countertransference, which occurs when a therapist transfers emotions to a person in therapy, is often a reaction to transference, a phenomenon in which the person in treatment redirects feelings for others onto the therapist. I have often encountered clients who when first entering into a therapeutic relationship with the Clinician, have a hard time explaining what the issue they are having that has made them decide to enter into counseling. I have seen other therapists and I myself have had to start the conversation with the client by saying that I too have had a similar experience in my past. Using that technique let’s my client know that I can truly identify with them because although I am their Clinician, I too have experienced issues that are similar to what they are going through. In contemporary psychology, clinicians typically make a distinction between helpful and unhelpful countertransference. Many contemporary psychologists openly share their own feelings with the people they are treating and may use countertransference, in a conscious manner, to understand differences between their own experiences and the experiences of the person in therapy.
My response:
Tamera
Class,
Countertransference is when a therapist transfers their own emotions onto their client. This usually occurs when a counselors hears an emotional story from their client or etc. This can happen quite frequently within counseling, especially when you are a new counselor and have not developed emotional boundaries towards your clients. Even though we are all perusing a profession in mental health and will all one day be fully licensed therapists, it does not mean that we are still not human. We are going to feel emotions when hearing heartbreaking stories, and thats okay. However, its how we handle those emotions that makes a difference. It is okay to show your clients that you are human and if you become emotional over a story or check in to tear up, however, you should not make the situation about yourself or make your emotions the focus. Throughout my counseling journey I have learned to start controlling these emotions, but they are usually felt when doing assessments with clients. When conducting an assessment it is when you really get to know a client and connect with them. This is also where for some the heartbreaking stories come out. When hearing these stories you can either be sympathetic or empathetic. When I first started, it was really hard hearing those horrible sad stories. Fortunately, I have been lucky enough to have amazing supervisors who have allowed me to process difficult stories with them.
GoodTherapy (2016). Countertransference in Therapy Retrieved from: https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychpedia/countertransference
My response:
Julie
Re: Topic 4 DQ 1
I feel that countertransference is when you as a counselor reflect your feelings on a client based off things you have been through. I feel that countertransference can be both done knowingly and unknowingly. I feel like thus far in my practicum I have been faced with a lot of issues regarding abused and neglected children, as well as severely damaged adults with numerous issue, which is a very different thing than what I’m use to on my regular job in certain ways. As a child I went through a lot as it related to abuse and neglect, and have also dealt with domestic violence issues as an adult. I feel that on a couple of occasions I have felt myself have feelings arise when I have been in a session with a client that have been uncomfortable, and I almost begin to have certain feelings that I had to work hard within myself not to reflect towards the client. I have taken the issues I have had to my clinical supervisor just to see how she feels regarding my personal issues, and suggestions of ways to approach the issues going forward so that no issues come forth that may cause me issues or problems.
My response:
Katrina
DQ2: Is it alright to be really angry at your client? What should you do if that happens?
Re: Topic 4 DQ 2
Anger is an emotion that sometimes we can not control. What we can control is our actions. Is it alright to be really angry with a client, no it is not but doe this happen? Yes, it does and when this happens it normally is situational. Meaning something was said or done by the client that caused you to get really angry. What I would do is maintain professionalism and attempt to have a conversation with them. If that did not work, then I would process it. We have to remember we are human, and we are going to react to things just like our clients do, it is natural, but we need to be professional in how we respond. We also need to remember that this is their treatment and we are here to assist them with learning new tool and teaching them how to use the one’s they have.
“Some clinicians believe that a therapist should never express anger or grief in front of a client. Yet, says University of Iowa’s John S. Westefeld, PhD, many psychologists agree that the therapist who expresses emotion with a client models integrity, encourages more open communication and often reinforces a client’s instincts, all helpful therapeutic tools.
“It’s important to be yourself and to be genuine,” Westefeld says.” (Novotney, 2008).
Reference
Novotney, A., (2008). Go ahead, let it out. Retrieved September 15, 2008 from: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2008/12/emotions
My response:
Iva
Re: Topic 4 DQ 2
We are human being first of all so we have emotions just like everyone else. It all depends on the situation, I believe that responding to a client in a hostile way can cause the client to withdraw and hinder the clients progress. Instead of fighting back, be aware of your emotional and physical state and telling the client you’re sorry that something you did has made them angry or that they feel you’re not competent to provide the services they need. “That can not only help de-escalate the situation, but can also further the ultimate goal of providing therapy, and should reframe from resistance. As counselors we have to cultivate patience to handle the situation at hand. Being a counselor we have to tap into our own peer support to make sure we keep ourself in check. We have to recognize their our own self-care. If the situtation is unsalavagable, their may have to be a termination of a relationship, which would be unfortunate. We have to always remember we need to do what is best for the client.
Reference
Clay, R. A. (2017, July). Coping with challenging clients. Retrieved September 12, 2019, from https://www.apa.org › monitor › challenging-clients
My response:
Catherine