Oh My, I Did Not Know That!

“Oh my, I did not know that.”

This is a reaction I often get when teaching budding addiction counselors who are a generation behind me and have been raised with a different set of values.

My generation has taught me there are no shortcuts and one must pay their dues, whereas the Xers (under 30) are more focused on living life and do not expect to work long hours. They expect to be evaluated not by how long they have worked but how skilled they are.

My generation is more conservative in the way we dress, express our ideas publicly, and challenge authority and the status quo. Some of these differences can generate innocent behaviors in new counselors that if left unchecked can spark transference and/or counter transference.

These generational differences point out the need for new addiction counselors to be trained on the ethical guidelines that protect both client and counselor, such as managing transference and counter transference. The obvious risk is that counseling can go beyond a healthy client-counselor relationship, called dual relationships (client and counselor having a personal, intimate relationship outside of counseling).

Perception creates reality, so counselors need to send a clear message that their role is to help clients facilitate opportunities for change.

Of the 20 items we discuss in detail, below are four items that could lead to misunderstandings and projections by new counselors:

1. Buddy Role – A counselor plays four roles in a counseling relationship: teacher, providing important information; counselor, helping solve life problems; manager, helping with a crisis; and friend, a role often taken to build common ground to develop trust and rapport. If as a counselor you are not paying attention to how much time you are spending in each of these roles, the client may become confused and think you want to be a real friend. And a friend in a client's mind may be more than just a friend. Be clear you are not a client's buddy; you are the counselor.
2. Over investment in one client – I call this a favorite-client syndrome. Counselors build relationships with clients at different degrees. You may feel you have more rapport with some clients because you have more in common. It is human nature to feel more relaxed talking to a person you feel more comfortable with. But if you have eight clients and you are spending 40 percent of your time with one who is in no more crisis or need than anyone else, what kind of message can this send to them and to other clients? Ensure you spend equal time with clients who are in equal need.
3. Safe dress – Before I send out young men and women on placement we have a discussion about appropriate safe dress. Most treatment agencies have a casual dress policy but I have learned that my definition of casual dress and that of the young people in my class are different. I define how important it is to dress safely so that a client does not get distracted by the counselor's presence and can focus on what their role is, that being to counsel. I teach them to be mindful of their dress and to ask if they are unsure about what is or is not appropriate.
4. Giving out personal emails – There is seldom ever a good enough reason to give a client my personal email, cell phone or home number. That's why I have voice mail at my office and a business cell phone. I was surprised at how many young people were trusting and willing to give their personal contact information when I asked, “Would you give out your personal contact information so a client could call you if they needed to talk?” Do not give clients your personal contact information.

Addiction counselors must take care of two important people: themselves and the client. Little behaviors that may not seem like a big deal can put a young counselor in a dangerous position. Keep in mind that transference or counter transference can also occur outside the formal counseling conversation and pay attention to this reality. Freud was not kidding; this stuff can happen.

William A. Howatt, Ph.D., Ed.D., ICADC, Post Doc UCLA School of Medicine, is a frequent contributor to Counselor, The Magazine for Addiction Professionals. He also serves on the faculty of Nova Scotia Community College and is co-editor of the Wiley book series on Treating Addictions.