Counseling a Midlife Woman Depression a Person

Counseling a Midlife Woman

Depression

A person only is in need of a counselor or a therapist when he or she cannot resolve their issues on their own. People who are undergoing psychosocial problems tend to depend and rely on the counselor too much. They have created this set idea in their mind that their counselor knows how to fix their problems and in doing so they develop a very dangerous dependency on the counselor. (Bond, 2010) It has been noted that sexual and romantic relationships between the client and the counselor have been going on since a long time. However, it was in the 1970s that the American Psychological Associated prohibited sexual intimacies with clients. (APA, 1977)

Transference basically means the past issues and feelings of the client project onto the counselor in the current relationship. Kahn (1991) stated that the client can merely not differentiate the difference and these distortions go on to make the matters worse for them. Counter transference refers to the reaction that the counselor gives towards the client. It is when the counselor projects his unresolved feelings and problems towards the client. Due to emotional vulnerability and unresolved issues, counselors can most definitely indulge in a romantic relationship with the client.

The woman that we are dealing with in this case scenario presents with the same problem. The major ethical and legal dilemma that was noted was the counselor did not maintain in professional boundaries. As stated above, it is very common for clients to 'fall in love 'with their counselor and even make sexual advances towards them. Courtois (1988) went on to state that clients who suffer from low self-esteem may feel as if they will attain a relationship with someone only if they offer sexual benefits to the other person. Again, it is important for the counselor to pinpoint and realize the transference issues and not become involved with the client.

Because many clients who go to counselors are used to negative feelings like fear, guilt and shame that they tend to react adversely to positive feelings. This is the same issue that is occurring with this client at hand. Therefore, a major ethical dilemma is increased dependence on the counselor. It has been stated that in cases like these, the client neither comprehends nor can strongly his feelings. Many a times, clients who have let go of dependence on alcohol or drugs substitute romantic obsessions or sexual fantasies as a method of easing their tension.

It is very important for the counselor to realize that the client is having prominent transference issues. This can be easily identifiable if the client request to see the counselor in non-professional settings. It should be noted that the counselor should avoid passing the boundaries that have been set regarding relationships. After the counselor does realize that the client is developing romantic feelings, it is very important to let them as well. Because the client is very used to talking to counselor about her problems, she will most definitely talk about these problems as well.

Section A.5a in American counseling Association code of ethics goes on to state that sexual or romantic relationship with the client or any other family member is strictly prohibited. (ACA, 2005) This therefore has delineated that counselors should keep within their limits and not be involved in such relationships. Section A.5c also states that counselor client non-professional relationship should be avoided unless the interaction could be of some use to the client.

Most of the times professional misconduct like a romantic relationship with a client leads to withdrawal of membership form the practicing association or cancelling of registration. Romantic or sexual involvements can cause the client to think the counselor is exploiting their counseling relationship and using the client foe sex. Most of the treatment programs and facilities carefully prohibit this behavior. They go on to censure or expel the members if the counselor does get involved in sexual relations with the client.

In this instance, it was obvious that the client did disclose her romantic feelings towards the counselor. After the client has told her feelings, the counselor should uphold the boundaries of the client and counselor relationship. He should be able to maintain a therapeutic stance and give replies and responses that would discourage the client rather than encourage him for this relationship. Kennedy & Charles (1992) stated that is very critical for a counselor to be aware of the repercussions of the message sent to the client and how they will feel about it later on. This shows that the counselor should encourage the client to examine their feelings more and not act them in such a hurry. Many have gone to state that this is a very important teachable moment for the client. The counselor should remain very calm and professional and remind the client what the purpose of these sessions is.

The counselor should also stress on the ethical and legal boundaries that are present between the clients. In simple terms, a treatment frame should be established and the counselor should work in that frame. Clients should not make any of these relationships personal because in the long run, these relationships with be counterproductive to the client. The reason why this woman was suffering from depression in the first place is not known. However, it is quite clear that her past relationship with her counselor was not a successful one. It is also clear that the woman thinks the counselor was engaging in a romantic relationship with her. Either this could be faulty perception of the woman or the counselor was romantically involved with her. It is possible that the relationship failed completely that further aggravated the woman's condition. Surely, things are much worse for her now that she is considering suicide.

Regardless, the ethical dilemma here the counselor should have set proper boundaries that were not to be crossed. Considering this matter could resolve into a legal and social issue, it is very important for the counselor to talk to a colleague about this matter. Firstly, the counselor should not make any advances towards the client. If the client is seducing the counselor or forcing for a relationship, the counselor should discuss this matter with the board or with any of his colleagues.