Why you should join a Psychodynamic Clinical Consultation Group
By Chris Campassi
Are you looking to join a clinical consultation group but unsure of what type? Are you wondering what exactly a Psychodynamic Consultation Group might look like? Do you think that a Psychodynamic Consultation Group is only for therapists who work from that theoretical orientation?
These are all very good questions. As an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), the Psychodynamic Consultation Group I facilitate is open to therapists of all orientations. If you want to better understand how your client’s presentation may impact you personally and your own personal history manifests through your work, this group may be a good fit for you. We also explore your belief system regarding the change process and your ability to work with clients who induce a lot of countertransference in Psychodynamic Group Consultation.
Transference in the Psychodynamic Approach
Many of you have heard and used the terms Transference and Countertransference, but even for therapists these terms can seem confusing. Transference refers to client feelings induced by working with a therapist who shares some of their past traits. Some traits can be physical (i.e. therapist looks like your dad). Others can be related to how they communicate, or they can even be about their “vibe.”
A classic Psychoanalytic belief is that when a client experiences transference with their therapist, they can resolve their unresolved issues together. A sense of catharsis will result, which ultimately can resolve patterns of behavior related to that person/relationship. By working through past issues in a safe(r) place with a safe(r) person, the client can develop the awareness and skills to make changes in their everyday lives and relationships.
Countertransference in Psychodynamic Work
While transference can help the therapeutic process, countertransference, if not properly addressed, can have a negative impact. Countertransference is the experience of feeling triggered by traits in a client that remind you of people from your past that you have unresolved feelings for.
Similar to transference, these traits may be physical in nature or more related to communication style and general demeanor. Nonetheless, these induced feelings may cause you to interact or react to the client like you may have interacted with the person from your past. At times, this can lead to a misperception of the client’s behavior, blaming the client for their problem, negative feelings towards the client, or a desire to refer the client to another provider.
Pitfalls of Transference and Countertransference in Therapy
Transference and countertransference are not only common occurrences in therapy, but can also be useful tools in understanding how the client interacts in the world, how others may experience them, and provide guidance on necessary boundaries to set with the client.
When addressed appropriately, transference and countertransference can lead to a transformative outcome for the client. Likewise, if not properly addressed, they can lead to a negative relationship between therapist and client, and detrimental results for the client.
Your Body as an Evaluative Tool in Psychodynamic Counseling
As a therapist, you will find that your body and nervous system provide more information than you may think. Like most tools, your body needs to be calibrated so that you understand what your body is telling you and how you should respond.
Through clinical supervision and clinical consultation, you can begin to process how you feel when you are with a client, and what that feeling means to you and the therapeutic process.
You may find that you feel helpless in working with a client, and you may try to seek a more “specialized” therapist to refer the client to. However, it may be that your experience of helplessness is empathic and reflects the client’s feelings of helplessness. Being able to acknowledge this will allow you to address these feelings of helplessness in a collaborative way.
Psychodynamic Clinical Consultation
Psychodynamic consultation will focus on the feelings and reactions you may have as a therapist with your clients, and utilize them as a source of information about the client. There are many ways you can benefit from group consultation as a counselor. Check out our blog Six Ways Clinicians Can Benefit from Group Supervision.
In my Psychodynamic Consultation group here at Firelight Supervision, you will present cases from your practices, analyze your reactions to clients, and receive feedback from other members. This is to transform that feeling of being “stuck” into a feeling of connection with your client’s problems. This empowers your clients to work through their issues. Read our blog What to Do When You Feel You Have Failed as A Counselor to learn more about this.
Do you need to be a Psychodynamic Therapist to Benefit from Psychodynamic Group Consultation?
Absolutely not! A psychodynamic therapist may be more familiar with this approach to supervision. Any therapist can benefit from a better understanding of how their own reactions to clients can be a helpful tool. It can be beneficial to develop an understanding of the client’s experience in the world. As well as how others may experience the client in their daily lives. Here are 10 Questions You Can Ask When Debating Consultation.
During the Psychodynamic Consultation Group, therapists analyze their own feelings and reactions in parallel to how they analyze their clients’. This increased self-awareness as a therapist will lead to a better understanding of how to provide treatment to your clients best.
How can we help
If you would like to learn more about this group, Click Here to schedule a free 20-minute consultation with me. I’ll work to understand your practice and approach, what you hope to accomplish in the consultation group, and answer your questions.
Author Bio
Chris Campassi is an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) and Program Coordinator of Firelight Supervision. He is a licensed psychotherapist in Colorado and North Carolina, a blogger, and a clinical supervisor for provisionally-licensed and independently licensed therapists. Chris enjoys helping men, medical professionals, and former athletes manage their anxiety and stress so they can live fulfilled and balanced lives. Follow Firelight Supervision on Instagram.
