Ethics of Countertransference in Social Work: Understanding Clinician Response to Client Care

Ethics of Countertransference in Social Work: Understanding Clinician Response to Client Care 

presented by Charles J. Franke 

3 CEs

Countertransference is often viewed through a negative or avoidant lens despite the fact that it is present in any clinical relationships and/or transactions. The result of this avoidance means we lose touch with a uniquely special and helpful piece of our work. The inner life of the clinician gives countless insights to the helping process.

In this session we will look deeply into our own reactions and experiences in social work and helping professions to determine the most effective and ethical applications of countertransference. We will explore the ethical implication of countertransference and the appropriate use of reflection, supervision and mentorship across clinical settings.

After this training the learner will:

     1) Have a greater understanding of the definition of countertransference and the ways it appears in every clinical and helping transaction.

      2) Develop a deeper ability to access clinical introspective skills that can then be applied to treatment in safe, ethical ways.

      3) Have a further understanding of the ethical implications of countertransference. The learner will see the ways in which neglecting the Self of the practitioner is deeply entwined with multiple layers of ethical concern, and will connect to individual strategies for mitigating these concerns.