Counsellors' strategies for managing their stressful reactions to clients
Date
1991
Authors
Friedinger, Anna Laura
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine and describe experienced counsellors' explanations as to how they become aware of and deal with their countertransference reactions in their actual practice. A qualitative, descriptive method was used. Five counsellors with a professional experience of a minimum of ten years were investigated. They were working in public agencies or private practice and were using an eclectic, humanistic or behavioural approach to counselling. A semi-structured guide was used to interview them in-depth on a personally significant countertransference reaction of their choice. The analysis of data revealed the counsellors' cognitive strategies for managing their countertransference reactions. They used to a large extent the same strategies regardless of their wide variety of triggers, reactions and counselling orientations. A countertransference management model was developed attributing these strategies to three stages according to the purpose they serve for these counsellors: awareness, understanding and management. Differences in the counsellors' use of strategies in the management stage could be traced to differences in their assessments in the understanding stage. Overall, this study provides a clearer understanding of what strategies experienced counsellor's use to become aware of their countertransference reactions and how they understand and manage them. Possible applications of the countertransference management model are suggested and the need for further research on its applicability and usefulness are identified.