Posted by Dinah on October 9, 2003, at 8:36:10
In reply to Re: questionable information » Dr. Bob, posted by jay on October 9, 2003, at 3:10:45
To be clear, Jay. I wasn't talking behind your back. I was talking to your face. Perhaps if you weren't dismissing me and my fellow posters with
"think Dinah doesn't exactly know what I mean. (I mean that in a nice way.)"
"I honestly think folks don't quite understand the intricacies of therapy. The line between a casual relationship and a professional one is quite distinct for those who have practiced social work."
you would have heard what I was saying to your face.
In fact I told you that I was going to send links to your posts to your licensing agency and to any professionals I could beg to comment on your comments. Because you are dismissing my comments because they come from a layperson, and others may as well. Others who will be terrified to bring up their feelings for their therapists.
Incidentally, perhaps sexual abuse survivors may be hurt by their feelings and harmed if their therapist exploits them. But they'll also be harmed by their therapist telling them their feelings are unacceptable to hear and reason for abandonmnent. If telling someone you love them or are attracted to them is reason for termination, how can that possibly be therapeutic to anyone.
So I am linking the posts that contain the following information from you citing your social worker credentials:
> Another important factor, which others seem to agree on, is what I have come up against in counselling, and that is transference. It can make even the most comfortable of therapists uneasy. It actually feels like "teeth-pulling" to a therapist, especially how vulnerable to lawsuits, malpractice, etc, they are. Just a suggestion, but you may want to try to find a good counsellor who specializes in helping you build your own walls to keep separation and understanding of the different types of 'roles' and actions we should use when dealing with various people. (i.e. how you act around a partner compared to a stranger and/or a therapist.)
> I have noticed a number of folks who mention extensive attraction to their therapist, which is with no mistake, transference. What you must realize is that this is one of the ultimate *sins* in counselling. Therapists are usually obligated to terminate the client-patient relationship if this occurs. Therapists can face criminal charges and lose their license to practice if they operate outside the boundaries of a client-patient relationship at all.
> Yes, the NASW code of ethics is identical the Ontario/Canadian Social Work one. (I am legally bound, also, because I am a member...and I pay 400 bucks a year for such!..hehee) I am not saying that your own transference issues, as long as they don't interfere with the professional relationship, are not 'fine'. Should this leave the clients mind and enter into the communication between the two, then the SW has an obligation to terminate. A good therapist can pick this up quite easily.
> I understand what you are saying...and the smallest amount of attraction should only be able to be picked up if you where a psychic. I don't mean to be arrogant or whatever, but I have plenty of first-hand experience, twice with me and numerous with other colleagues. The two times with me involved slightly covert, but suspicious questions about *me* as a person, and my personal life.(VERY blatent questions.) Most counsellors who find this is an issue will discuss it with colleagues first.
> Again, I am not trying to say that clients, in their minds, should not harbour any feelings towards a therapist. That would be humanly impossible. But, when that line is crossed and feelings turn into words, or an inappropriate gesture, the common practice is to terminate.
> My main point being, is besides counsellors, clients must take some responsibility for how their actions could affect the professional/client relationship. This is not just an ethical argument, but a legal one also. It differs in many places, but a counsellor can be charged for appearing to any way 'entice' the client. Plus, especially for sexual abuse survivors, this can be deeply dangerous ground. There is plenty of time to socialize out in public or at a bar, but a professional is being paid good money to utilize very complex and intricate skill.
And you are using these words to describe the "sin" of a client merely mentioning his/her feelings for their therapist. Not stalking, not attacking, just mentioning their feelings. I think that is not only mistaken but potentially harmful to clients.
Since you appear to discount anything anyone without a license has to say, I am planning to use those links to contact every professional organization, every school, every group of professionals I can find, to find anyone with a license who will come and challenge you.
If you want to brandish your professional credentials on this board, you must be prepared to be held to professional standards.
poster:Dinah
thread:266500
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20031008/msgs/267219.html