A Counselor’s Countertransference Experience
Rachel is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in private practice. She went through a messy divorce 3 years ago and feels she has healed from that experience. Today she has a new couple coming in to see her. They are seeking counseling and state that they want to try to save their marriage. During the intake session, Rachel is struck by how similar the husband is to her former husband. His angry tone of voice and some of the emotionally charged statements he makes to his wife remind Rachel of difficult encounters in her own marriage. Rachel feels herself wanting to protect the wife. She thoroughly dislikes the husband.
Discussion Questions
1. Should Rachel continue to see the couple? Explain.
2. If Rachel decides to continue, what can she do to ensure best practice?
3. If Rachel decides not to continue, what should she do regarding her own self-care?
