Countertransference In The Workplace

During the course, I have learned many skills and various things I learned about myself.
One thing that really stood out to me is counter-transference. During class, I realized that I practice countertransference a lot when meeting with clients. My perception of countertransference was therapists developing feelings for clients. However, this is not the only case. Counter-transference does not have to only be romantic feelings towards clients. In many instances when clients share their feelings and their personal struggles, I find myself feeling bad for the client. As I see clients visibly upset, I do not challenge them to further express their feelings. Due to their struggles, I do not challenge clients to go further into their feelings and talk about their struggles. I may feel bad for the client and discourage them from talking about their issues. However, they may feel the need to get their feelings off their chest. I should not perceive that a client does not want to talk about they're a traumatic event or past events unless they say they say they do not want to. They should determine when and at what pace to work on the issues.
Group counseling is not simply about group members sharing their

experiences. It gives members the opportunity to express issues that impact daily living and allows members to relate to others as they share similar concerns. As members share similar experiences and identify with others, this allows them to learn and provide feedback from their peers and the group facilitator. With appropriate feedback, group members gain an increase in self-awareness and are able to reflect on change.
There are some challenges that I know I will face in group therapy that I as of now I do not feel comfortable dealing with. For group members who have severe phobias and fears, getting them to engage discussing their fears or share secrets may be too overwhelming for them. I would need to find strategies to help them overcome their fear and feels comfortable sharing with the group. In a group, there is always at least one or two group members that will cause distractions in the group, either going off topic or try to dominate the group. As a group facilitator, I can not let members take control of the group. I have to be the leader and move the group along.
It is not uncommon for group members to find themselves disagreeing on a topic. When personalities begin to clash and members begin to become upset with one another. Members may be hostile towards one another or mage comments that may come across offensive towards others. All these negative things may trigger clients which impair their treatment. again I will need to step up as the leader to guide and bring the group back together.
After taking this course I feel less anxious about running a group. I feel comfortable in running support groups and group’s regarding mental health such as depression and anxiety. However, I do not feel confident in running a substance abuse group. I feel I need more training in more knowledge in substance abuse to facilitate a substance abuse group. Many addicts prefer to have group facilitator who has a history of substance abuse. They may feel as though a facilitator who does never have substance abuse would not understand what it feels like to be an addict. I agree with this statement. People are more likely to engage if they feel they are able to relate to the other person.
After listening to the stories shared in class I have learned just how challenging it is working in the mental health field. I have learned that self-care is not only important, it is crucial when working in this field. Even the smallest act of self-care is beneficial. Self-care helps avoid clinicians from being burnt out. Even the smallest act of self-care can help reduce stress. Clinicians may feel as though they can handle a small amount of stress, however, when the stress begins to pile up it begins to take a toll on the minds and body. Clinicians are supposed to support clients but they must take care of themselves first.
Self-care has a lot of benefits. Self-care helps clinicians refocus on tasks and provide better support to clients. Self-care increases overall performance. There are many forms of self-care. Self-care does not have include going out. This can include staying at home in pajamas. I have always liked the idea of guided meditation, however, this exercise does not seem to help me. There are always things on my mind so remaining still and trying to have a blank bind would be a challenge. Instead, I benefit from listening to loud music. This helps me slow down my quick thinking.
As I progress into my career, I will incorporate walking and a lunch break into my self-care.

Usually, I work through lunch breaks. However, recently working in an inpatient setting all day, I have been feeling somewhat trapped. On occasion when I am feeling a little overwhelmed I will leave the unit and walk around for ten minutes. The ten minutes feels really good because it lets me escape from everyone and allows me to clear my head and take a breath. Recently I have been taking actual breaks. I enjoy going to my car and having time to myself. I'm my car I will roll back the seats and watch a video on my phone. I find these breaks make me feel much better. I feel as if it is an energy booster. After breaks, I feel I am not overwhelmed about getting my work

done.
Before diving into the topic of a group there are necessary steps to take. Group facilitators must create an environment of trust and support. In addition, there e sure should be an environment for effective communication. It is best for leaders to explain their roles as the facilitator. As a group begins, group members should feel comfortable to speak with other group members. Facilitators should introduce the group with a clear focus and purpose. This ensures that everyone understands what the group will discuss. Following these steps sets the tone for the group. As the group progresses, facilitators should encourage deep discussion. An important thing to remember is to continue asking open-ended questions.
A group therapy technique learned in this course is Gestalt therapy which focuses on increased awareness. This therapy promotes growth as the objective is to integrate of conflicting dimensions within the individual members. In Gestalt therapy, facilitators encourage clients to stay in the present. Staying aware involves being in the moment. Group facilitators ask open-ended questions.