Clinical Practice SWES Exam 2026 – Complete Prep Resource

Using countertransference effectively involves understanding and analyzing the emotional responses that a social worker has towards a client. When a social worker becomes aware of their own feelings in response to a client's emotions or behaviors, they can gain valuable insights into the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship. This self-awareness allows the social worker to explore how their feelings might reflect something about the client’s experiences or issues, which can lead to a deeper understanding of the client’s behavior and underlying issues.

For instance, if a social worker feels particularly protective over a client, this may indicate unmet needs or dynamics from the client's past. Recognizing this can help the social worker to navigate the therapeutic process in a way that is sensitive and informed by the client's actual experiences, rather than just their own emotional responses. This understanding helps improve empathic engagement and can enhance the overall effectiveness of treatment.

In contrast, sharing feelings with the client, altering the treatment plan based solely on these feelings, or dismissing one’s own emotions does not leverage countertransference for insight. These approaches may undermine the therapeutic alliance or lead to confusion, rather than utilizing the emotional responses to foster a more informed and nuanced understanding of the client’s situation.