While reflecting over this meeting, I think some very good points surrounding supervision, competencies, and self-awareness was discussed. Countertransference does not just have to be about traumatic experiences the counsellor has endured, but rather any positive or negative thoughts or emotions and/or biased expressions that occur due to the recitation of the client’s story (Briere & Scott, 2015). I also think that supervision is a key component in all counselling, as it is hard to be self-aware to the point of eliminating any blind spots that may exist. Sometimes outside observations of our behaviors can help illuminate even a small blind spot the counsellor may have toward themselves; these observations may be from a supervisor, or as you
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I think where countertransference or biases comes from our unresolved issues from the past or things going on in our personal lives, that we can ask our loved ones such as our parents or close friends who know us well to give us feedback when they see changes in our behavior. Gelso, Latts, Gomez & Fassinger (2002), mention how imperative it is for counselors to manage their own unresolved issues so they are able to benefit their client so it can lead to good outcomes in therapy. Furthermore, I am certainly uncomfortable with intense anger and would rather diffuse it quickly, which may or may not be a productive reaction based on the source of the anger. Conversely, I am not uncomfortable with conflict, as I view it as an opportunity to gain clarity, understanding, and something that can be used to learn from. However, as the counseling to be I will need to be cognizant of when conflict is in fact productive and is useful in helping contribute to the purpose of the group. I believe instances in which conflict is off topic cutting it off and shifting focus will need to be enacted (Jacobs, Schimmel, Masson, & Harvill, 2016). This will need to be handled sensitively to avoid increasing conflict or creating member resentment. A possible technique to establish this is to acknowledge and give compassion to the conflict whilst openly discussing its non-relevance and reminding group members of the purpose of the
I think where countertransference or biases comes from our unresolved issues from the past or things going on in our personal lives, that we can ask our loved ones such as our parents or close friends who know us well to give us feedback when they see changes in our behavior. Gelso, Latts, Gomez & Fassinger (2002), mention how imperative it is for counselors to manage their own unresolved issues so they are able to benefit their client so it can lead to good outcomes in therapy. Furthermore, I am certainly uncomfortable with intense anger and would rather diffuse it quickly, which may or may not be a productive reaction based on the source of the anger. Conversely, I am not uncomfortable with conflict, as I view it as an opportunity to gain clarity, understanding, and something that can be used to learn from. However, as the counseling to be I will need to be cognizant of when conflict is in fact productive and is useful in helping contribute to the purpose of the group. I believe instances in which conflict is off topic cutting it off and shifting focus will need to be enacted (Jacobs, Schimmel, Masson, & Harvill, 2016). This will need to be handled sensitively to avoid increasing conflict or creating member resentment. A possible technique to establish this is to acknowledge and give compassion to the conflict whilst openly discussing its non-relevance and reminding group members of the purpose of the