It is not uncommon for a client to project feelings onto his or her therapist. Likewise, the therapist sometimes may have romantic feelings for a client. Transference and countertransference issues require great skill on the part of the supervising psychologist so that the therapist-in-training does no harm when working with clients.

To prepare for this Discussion, read the required readings for the week, paying special attention to Ladany, Nelson, and Friedlander (2005a).

Write an analysis 2 pages of the supervisory skills required in supervising a therapist whose client has developed feelings for the therapist. Then, explain whether the same or different supervisory skills would be required if the therapist developed feelings for the client. Finally, as a supervisor, describe how you might most effectively approach the situation. Include a description of the supervisory skills on which you would rely in each situation.

Be sure to support your post with specific references to the Learning Resources.

READINGS

• Knox, S., Burkard, A. W., Jackson, J. A., Schaack, A. M., & Hess, S. A. (2006). Therapists-in-training who experience a client suicide: Implications for supervision. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 37(5), 547–557.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
• Kress, V. E., & Dixon, A. (2007). Consensual faculty-student sexual relationships in counselor education: Recommendations for counselor educators’ decision making. Counselor Education and Supervision, 47(2), 110–122.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
• Ladany, N., Nelson, M. L., & Friedlander, M. L. (2005a). Addressing problematic emotions, attitudes, and behaviors: Counseling in versus counseling out. In Critical events in psychotherapy supervision: An interpersonal approach (pp. 183–210). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.