Destructive Countertransference and Ethical Bracketing

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Question 1
(a) Brief Explanation of Ideas
Countertransference refers to all the reactions of the therapist to the client, and they can either be constructive or destructive. Constructive countertransference occurs when the therapist observes and utilizes their own reactions to the client and applies them in helping the client figure out what they are experiencing (Topic 9). In this sense, when the countertransference is beneficial to the therapy process, it can be said to be constructive.
Destructive countertransference happens when the therapy process is inhibited by the therapist’s needs or unresolved past experiences (Topic 9). Given that destructive countertransference can erode objectivity in the therapeutic relationship, it has the potential to destroy any trust that may have been built. This is primarily because the therapy process is characterized by addressing the needs of the therapist more than the needs of the client.
Ethical bracketing refers to the act of putting aside one’s personal values in order to be in a position to offer correct and ethical counseling to all clients, particularly those whom one does not share values with (Topic 10). In essence, it does not mean completely shunning one’s beliefs but rather putting them on hold so that they do not interfere with the therapy process. This is necessary primarily because therapists often serve individuals from different social, cultural, and economic backgrounds who may hold different values.
Value imposition refers to the act of the counselor trying to influence the client to adapt their behaviors, values, opinions, and attitudes (Topic 10). Value imposition can occur actively or passively, and sometimes the counselor may not even be aware that they are imposing their values on others. In group therapy, it is possible for the leader or a member of the group to impose their values, which may lead to values clashes (Topic 10). In such cases, it is important for the leader or members to intervene in order to promote a group environment that is neutral.
(b) Case Example- Constructive Countertransference
A case example of countertransference is when the therapist becomes overly protective of the client. In this case, they view the client as a person that needs to be taken care of, and the therapy process is then characterized by the therapist trying to guard the client. Constructive countertransference can occur when the therapist reflects on the therapy session and realizes that their unresolved conflict is responsible for their reaction towards the client. This realization then helps them become objective in the therapy process, thereby focusing on the client as opposed to themselves.
(c) Case Example- Ethical Bracketing