Essay --

It is difficult to know whether a negative reaction to the leader or other members in the group is because of a true feeling toward that person, or if it is because of transference of feelings for someone significant in the life of the person having the reaction. One of the most obvious signs that there is transference taking place is when a member has a really strong reaction to me, the leader, without having spent much time with each other. I think this is the most obvious because how could such strong feelings transpire in such a short period of time. Another sign is negative feelings over time. There may be a way that I behave or articulate myself that brings up feelings of someone in the member’s outside life. After all of the reading that we have done for this class though, I feel like the only way to really know if it is transference is to discuss what the individual is feeling and why they think they are having such a strong reaction. Transference between members is probably more obvious. The leader can look at the interactions between members more objectively. The signs are the same as transference toward the leader, but the members that seem to be in conflict may not understand what is potentially happening. Just like with transference toward the leader, discussion about feelings and personal reactions needs to take place. 2. There are a few steps that I can take to be more aware of if I am having some countertransference reactions to members. First, understanding my own issues with people in my life. If I am having issues with someone in my life, then a member exhibits behavior in the group that I associate with the individual in my personal life, I cannot provide the best help to them. Next, if I am having strong re... ...goals they will have for themselves when the group does end. Once they establish the goals they would like to achieve when the group ends, the leader can help guide them in ways to reach those goals. My job as a leader would be to help the members deal with their feelings about the group ending. As the reading makes clear some people may have anxiety about not having the support of the group, or maintaining the changes that they have made. I also will need to address any concerns about confidentiality once the group ends. The members need to know that the work they did is going to stay confidential, even though the group is ending. Helping members set goals and the ways they can achieve them when the group ends is also important. Giving any final feedback that can help the members after the final session will also aid in the member in reaching/setting their goals.