Health & Medical Addiction & Recovery

Drug Addiction Help - What is a Counselor"s Transference?

The idea of transference in the context of addiction treatment is a dual edged sword.
While it can give you tremendous insight into a client's past, it can be just as detrimental to the client - counselor relationship if it is left unnoticed or unidentified.
Transference is the projection of past emotions or processes an individual had with an "object" - person, place, location, or any trigger - on to their therapist or another person in treatment.
It is important to realize when this is occurring in order to keep it from sabotaging treatment.
Counter-transference occurs when you as a counselor project onto clients.
It can be just as beneficial in understanding more about yourself and where a client might be coming from.
It can also be as big of sabotage if not addressed.
I've learned my transference issues can come from multiple situations and personalities.
However, there are two main situations that have happened and I have to stay aware of.
The first is a quirky younger male that "means well in my eyes" and needs to be "saved.
" This reminds me of a younger cousin of mine that had problems and I was very close with.
I believe that if I do not recognize when this is happening I could get overly emotionally involved and start taking responsibilities for the successes and failures.
Which is never good.
The second situation I have noticed, and has occurred, are male clients more my age with my own personality and outlook on life.
I get of sense of a friendship and comradery that I tend to lean towards when they are doing well and I will start communicating with them in this way rather then as their counselor.
Both the characteristics I explained cause an unrealistic increase in trust and belief in everything the person is saying.
Inside of my work-site, using my peers and supervisors are some of the best tools in order to deal with these types of occurrences.
Talking and processing through the situation to help understand whether this can be a beneficial professional relationship or if the only option is to referring the client out will be necessary.
I believe outside of my work-site, before jumping into any serious personal, business, or any other relationship - I can use my family and friend support network included in my self-care plan to help make critical decisions.
Both in the work place and in my personal life open communication with people I trust will be essential.
Interpretation for transference requires accuracy and timing.
Whether it be support staff, counselors, group leaders, therapists, or even a director of a program, it is important to address the issue in the right way.
It may not be a good idea let a client know that the only reason they are upset is that they are being reminded of their overbearing mother right when they are their most vulnerable.
It could set off a chain reaction of emotional unstableness and they might leave the drug rehab center all together calling everyone a quack on the way out.
I think it is necessary to educate clients that this dynamic can happen in almost any setting in the recovery process.
From detoxification to sober living and back to the real world, they will consistently be reminded of people or things from the past that do not put them in the best of places emotionally.
Whether it is someone who looks like an old using partner, a sound or smell that brings up memories of the first "high," or a song or street that sets off an urge to use, all of these can be examples of transference in treatment.
I believe a client's awareness of when these issues start happening can be a strong indicator of how they are doing in their recovery.
A client simply recognizing they are misdirecting an emotion onto a person or object is a great step but not the complete tool needed to remain sober.
It is necessary to understand how to regulate and process the emotion once it shows up.
Understanding that you are upset for no solid reason is the first aspect, knowing and realizing that there is usually not a lot you can do about it is the second.
Having the ability to not try to control the things you cant and asking for help with situations you can, is relative to coping with addiction.
Like many other areas of addiction treatment, transference must be handled with empathy and care.
Addicts in drug or alcohol rehab must not feel judged, spoke down to, or minimalized.
There is no one-way to see these issues coming or recognize them or define them right away.
Again, open communication is a must.
SHARE
RELATED POSTS on "Health & Medical"
Quit Smoking By Following These Simple Steps
Quit Smoking By Following These Simple Steps
9 Ways to Communicate With Someone Who Has an Addiction
9 Ways to Communicate With Someone Who Has an Addiction
Mind Over Matter: Smoking Cigarettes, A Force of Habit
Mind Over Matter: Smoking Cigarettes, A Force of Habit
Marijuana And The Brain - What Are The Risks Of Heavy Use?
Marijuana And The Brain - What Are The Risks Of Heavy Use?
What Is The Ideal Way To Seek Treatment For Alcoholism?
What Is The Ideal Way To Seek Treatment For Alcoholism?
Vicodin In The Realm Of Prescription Drug Abuse
Vicodin In The Realm Of Prescription Drug Abuse
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Meetings in North Dakota
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Meetings in North Dakota
What Are the Health Effects of Second Hand Smoke (Environmental Tobacco Smoke)
What Are the Health Effects of Second Hand Smoke (Environmental Tobacco Smoke)
Quitting Smoking Benefits - Remind Yourself of the Incredible Benefits of Quitting Smoking
Quitting Smoking Benefits - Remind Yourself of the Incredible Benefits of Quitting Smoking
How to Stop Smoking Weed - What Really Works
How to Stop Smoking Weed - What Really Works
What Makes Marijuana So Addictive?
What Makes Marijuana So Addictive?
Symptoms to Alcoholism Withdrawal
Symptoms to Alcoholism Withdrawal
Gosnold and Thorne Gosnold Inc of Centerville MA
Gosnold and Thorne Gosnold Inc of Centerville MA
Five County Alcohol and Drug Program of Napoleon OH
Five County Alcohol and Drug Program of Napoleon OH
June 24
June 24
Quit Smoking Using Hypnosis
Quit Smoking Using Hypnosis
Arbour and HRI Hospital of Brookline MA
Arbour and HRI Hospital of Brookline MA
The Biggest Threat to the Whole Human Race
The Biggest Threat to the Whole Human Race
Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms Associated With Alcohol Addiction Recovery
Understanding Withdrawal Symptoms Associated With Alcohol Addiction Recovery
Gateway Drugs or Gateway Addictions?
Gateway Drugs or Gateway Addictions?

Leave Your Reply

*