Is countertransference an ethical issue?
Is countertransference an ethical issue?
While often understood as a clinical issue to be explored in supervision, co-transference that remains unaddressed or is unaddressed inappropriately may constitute an ethical issue related to practice competence and the failure of the therapist to take reasonable steps to avoid harming the client.
What causes countertransference?
Countertransference describes what happens when a therapist gets drawn into the transference dynamic due to lack of boundaries or lack of awareness. (It can also describe a therapist’s independently getting caught up in transferring their own feelings to a client.)
Is countertransference always bad?
Despite its negative connotations, countertransference itself is not a bad thing. Rather, it’s the ignoring of countertransference that gets counselors into trouble. For example, the ultimate counseling taboo likely involves crossing ethical boundaries and having a sexual relationship with a client.
What is transference and countertransference in Counselling?
Countertransference is when you as the clinician transfer your feelings onto your client. The countertransference definition can be thought of as the clinician’s response to a client’s transference. Countertransference is an excellent reminder that clinicians are human beings with feelings and emotions.
Should you tell your therapist about transference?
Yup, for the most part, it’s never easy to directly address transference feelings with a therapist. It’s even harder when we already have a tough time talking about things. If it fits, you can tell your therapist about the reading you’ve been doing on transference and that you’re curious about what she thinks.
Do therapists experience transference?
Your Therapist Can Experience Transference, Too Frequently spoken about in reference to the therapeutic relationship, the classic example of sexual transference is falling in love with one’s therapist. However, you might also transfer feelings such as rage, anger, distrust, or dependence.
How do therapists deal with transference?
Transference is completely normal. You are not ‘crazy’ for being attracted to your therapist or associating them with your father. The important thing is to bring these feelings to light and discuss them together. Once you have openly discussed your feelings with your therapist, they should diminish over time.
Do therapists cry?
Yet tears are common for many therapists, research suggests. Stolberg, PhD, and Mojgan Khademi, PsyD, of Alliant International University, for example, found that 72 percent of psychologists and trainees had cried at some point with patients, with 30 percent having shed tears in the previous four weeks.
Is it bad to be attracted to your therapist?
Experts say experiencing some kind of attraction toward your counselor is not atypical — and chances are, your therapist has dealt with something similar before. Recognizing your feelings and working through them with your therapist may actually help you grow.
Should I tell my therapist I have a crush on her?
You should definitely tell her, because it’s the only way she can help you process your feelings, and this manifestation is an important part of why you’re there. It will likely be awkward for you, but not for her. This happens so often in the early stages of therapy that it’s pretty much routine.
How do you handle countertransference?
Deeply explore your own feelings toward a client or clients and, if necessary, write down the ways in which you are consciously or unconsciously defensive or reactive. Establish clear, appropriate boundaries regarding scheduling appointments, payment (if in self practice), and acceptable in-session behaviors.
What if Im attracted to my therapist?
Be completely honest and transparent. If you start developing feelings for your therapist, tell him or her about it. “Be honest with yourself and with your therapist,” Scharf says. “Your therapist could talk those feelings through with you, what they mean and how to manage them.
Are you allowed to ask your therapist personal questions?
Yes, you are allowed to ask your therapist personal questions. In fact, you can ask your therapist almost anything. In fact, some psychoanalysts ask the client to lie on the couch (the therapist is seated behind the client’s head). This physical arrangement is useful for both the client and analyst.
Is it common to develop feelings for your therapist?
Developing feelings for your therapist is actually pretty common. The therapeutic relationship is unique in that it’s so personal on one side, yet impersonal on the other.
Why can’t you be friends with your therapist?
Your therapist should not be a close friend because that would create what’s called a dual relationship, something that is unethical in therapy. In addition to being a dual relationship, sexual relationships with clients exploit the power inherent in the one-sided nature of the therapy relationship.
Is everything you tell a therapist confidential?
Is Therapy Confidential? In almost every instance, therapy is absolutely confidential. You therapist is required to maintain confidentiality about everything said in sessions between the two of you, just like a doctor is required to keep your records private.