Week 7 Tools For Practice Resources Readings By Berg H. Anto

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Week 7 tools for practice resources readings Berg, H., Antonsen, P., & Binder, P. (2016). Sediments and vistas in the relational matrix of the unfolding 'I': A qualitative study of therapists’ experiences with self-disclosure in psychotherapy. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 26(3). Drinane, J. M., Owen, J., & Tao, K. W. (2018). Cultural concealment and therapy outcomes. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 65(2). Tools for Practice Geller, S. M., & Greenberg, L. S. (2012). Challenges to therapeutic presence. In Therapeutic presence: A mindful approach to effective therapy (pp. 143–159). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. McTighe, J. P. (2011). Teaching the use of self through the process of clinical supervision. Clinical Social Work Journal, 39(3), 301–307. Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. M. (Eds.). (2014a). Sessions: Case histories. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing. Laureate Education (Producer). (2013c). Petrakis family: Episode 3 [Video file].

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In psychotherapy, managing client reactions such as anger, frustration, or disappointment is a critical aspect of effective practice, requiring social workers to navigate these emotional responses skillfully while maintaining a professional demeanor. When a client, such as Helen from the Petrakis family case study, expresses anger or accusations, it often stems from their personal reactions to their circumstances or feelings of vulnerability and mistrust, rather than solely from the therapeutic process itself (Berg et al., 2016). As a social worker, it is essential first to remain calm, empathetic, and non-defensive to foster a safe environment where the client feels heard and respected. This composure helps de-escalate potential conflicts and reinforces the therapeutic alliance.

At the moment of encountering Helen’s anger, feelings of discomfort or defensiveness might arise; however, recognizing these emotions and consciously choosing to focus on the client's needs is integral to professional practice (McTighe, 2011). Acknowledging her feelings without judgment and clarifying her concerns demonstrates respectful listening and genuine concern. For example, I might say, “I understand you’re feeling upset, and it’s important to me that we address what’s bothering you.” This approach aligns with Geller and Greenberg’s (2012) emphasis on maintaining therapeutic presence, which involves being mindful and attuned to the client’s emotional state without becoming reactive.

Self-disclosure can be a powerful strategy in such situations. When used appropriately, self-disclosure fosters trust, models emotional honesty, and humanizes the therapist, which can diminish clients’ feelings of isolation or accusatory perceptions (Berg et al., 2016). For Helen, sharing a limited personal experience with a similar feeling—such as briefly acknowledging one's own frustration in a previous challenging situation—can validate her emotions and demonstrate empathy. For example, “There have been times when I’ve felt upset about how things are unfolding, and I remember how challenging that was. I want to understand what you’re experiencing now.” Such disclosure must be deliberate, authentic, and brief, avoiding over-sharing or shifting focus away from the client’s needs.

Furthermore, transparency about the therapeutic process and collaborative goal-setting can empower Helen and reduce misunderstandings, fostering a sense of partnership. Consistently applying reflective listening and validating her feelings can turn a potentially negative interaction into an opportunity for growth (Geller & Greenberg, 2012). By doing so, I would also model emotional regulation and resilience, encouraging Helen to explore and articulate her feelings openly.

In conclusion, managing client anger and accusations requires a combination of professional composure, empathetic listening, and strategic self-disclosure. By maintaining a calm demeanor, validating emotions, and selectively sharing relevant personal insights, social workers can strengthen the therapeutic alliance and facilitate meaningful change. Incorporating these practices aligns with evidence-based frameworks that emphasize authenticity, presence, and collaborative engagement as central to effective therapy (McTighe, 2011; Geller & Greenberg, 2012).

References

Berg, H., Antonsen, P., & Binder, P. (2016). Sediments and vistas in the relational matrix of the unfolding 'I': A qualitative study of therapists’ experiences with self-disclosure in psychotherapy. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 26(3), 248–262.

Drinane, J. M., Owen, J., & Tao, K. W. (2018). Cultural concealment and therapy outcomes. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 65(2), 132–144.

Geller, S. M., & Greenberg, L. S. (2012). Challenges to therapeutic presence. In Therapeutic presence: A mindful approach to effective therapy (pp. 143–159). American Psychological Association.

McTighe, J. P. (2011). Teaching the use of self through the process of clinical supervision. Clinical Social Work Journal, 39(3), 301–307.

Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. M. (Eds.). (2014a). Sessions: Case histories. Laureate International Universities Publishing.

Laureate Education (Producer). (2013c). Petrakis family: Episode 3 [Video file].