Our View of Clients

Recently we focused on Transference and Counter-transference at Rutgers. It is interesting how clients may view their counselor. The counselor may use expressions similar to a parent, sibling, or friend. Or they may look like someone they know and this generates positive or negative feelings. The client may interact differently due to these internal reactions. In some cases they will share the connections and in others they keep it to themselves. Counter-transference occurs when the counselor is reminded of someone else when they meet the client. This can also lead to positive or negative feelings. The counselor may then treat the client differently due to their emotional reaction. As an example they may give the client extra time in sessions, offer them additional help, or give them small gifts. If they have negative transference they may limit session time, cancel sessions, or set firm limits. It is usually helpful for staff who aware that they have counter-transferential responses to clients to self monitor their behavior and speak with their supervisor for objective advice.

Phil Feldman, PhD- For more written work by this author see:  https://lnkd.in/d6R6j_A