Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam

When a counselor maintains their personal issues do not interfere with client work, this is known as:

1. Transference

2. Countertransference

3. Projection

4. Resistance

The correct answer is: Countertransference

In the context of counseling, the term that refers to a counselor's ability to ensure their personal issues do not interfere with client work is countertransference. Countertransference occurs when a counselor projects their own emotional responses onto the client, often as a result of personal experiences or unresolved issues. This projection can cloud judgment and affect the therapeutic relationship negatively. When a counselor successfully manages their emotional responses and maintains professional boundaries, they demonstrate an understanding of countertransference and strive to prevent it from impacting the therapeutic process. This allows them to remain objective, providing their clients with the support and attention needed for effective counseling. Transference, on the other hand, refers to the client projecting their feelings or experiences onto the counselor, which is a different dynamic. Projection typically involves individuals attributing their own feelings or thoughts onto someone else rather than impacting their professional conduct. Resistance is a phenomenon where clients may oppose or avoid the therapeutic process, which does not relate to the counselor's management of personal issues.