The Burden and Opportunities of Spiritual Transference and Counter-transference
Clinicians are acutely aware that the experiences we call transference and countertransference can be powerful tools. When identified and used well they can play an important role in deepening understanding and fostering change- for both the client and the therapist. There is an aspect of the therapeutic process that is often unrecognized, and therefore equally unaddressed-spirituality. The reasons for this are complex. But since spirituality does manifest itself in some shape or form in the relationship between a clinician and his/her client, as well as the healing journey that clients engage in, it is of significant value to consider the particular ways it makes its appearance in the experience of transference and counter-transference. Using didactic presentation and discussion, this workshop will provide participants with an opportunity to begin a thoughtful conversation regarding these rarely discussed concepts of spiritual transference and counter-tranference as it might effect therapy issues including the emotional and cognitive impact of life stressors, major life transitions and traumas.
Learning Objectives:
- Explore a functional understanding of spirituality in the context of the therapeutic process.
- Develop a framework for understanding the nature of spiritual transference and its implications for therapeutic work.
- Identify the concept and nature of spiritual countertransference and explore potential personal strategies to address such experiences.
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