Connecticut Certification Board

Scope of Practice

Connecticut Certification Board

  • The Therapeutic Relationship: Political Countertransference

The Therapeutic Relationship: Political Countertransference

Tuesday 13th July 2021

Sarah Benton explores managing political biases in therapy, offering tools to create supportive environments for all clients on 'Scope of Practice'.
50 minutes
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Supportive
Educational

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Scope of Practice
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Connecticut Certification Board
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Handling Political Bias in Therapy: Insights from Sarah Benton

For me, I talk about that as a false belief that our experience is universal.
Politics are everywhere these days, and they don't just stay outside the therapy room. For therapists, political beliefs can sneak into sessions, impacting the delicate balance of the therapeutic relationship. In this episode of 'Scope of Practice', Sarah Benton, MS, LMHC, LPC, AADC, dives into the tricky topic of political countertransference. She shares how therapists' own political views can influence their work with clients and offers practical advice on how to handle it.
Sarah Benton explains that political countertransference is when a therapist's emotions about a client's political beliefs bubble up during sessions. Given today's charged political climate, it's easy for personal biases to slip in, but recognizing and managing these feelings is crucial for effective therapy. Benton stresses the importance of therapists being aware of their own political biases and understanding how these might affect their interactions with clients. One of the key points Benton makes is about the need for mindfulness.
By staying present and aware, therapists can better manage their reactions and keep their personal beliefs from interfering with their professional duties. She also talks about self-care, highlighting that therapists need to look after themselves, especially in politically intense times. Throughout the episode, Benton shares real-world examples and practical tools for navigating political conversations in therapy. She provides insights into creating a safe space where clients feel supported, regardless of their political views.
This episode is packed with valuable advice for therapists and anyone interested in mental health. It's a reminder that while politics can be divisive, understanding and managing our biases can help build stronger, more supportive therapeutic relationships.
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