Chemical Dependency Counselors’ Perceived Countertransference and its Relationship to Personal Experience With Substance Use

Abstract

The current study explores the relationship between countertransference and the chemical dependency counselor’s experience with substance use disorders, through personal use, family member substance use, or a close friend’s struggle with drug use. LMHC, LCSW, LMSW, and CASAC credentialed individuals were given a countertransference survey which also included questions about personal substance use history. Eight participants completed and returned the survey. Results showed that a significant relationship does exist between at least one countertransference survey item and each category of substance use history that included personal use, parent use, another immediate family member use, extended family member use, and close friend use. The findings of a significant relationship indicate the impact counselor substance history has on countertransference in chemical dependency treatment and the importance of counselors becoming more self aware in order to provide the most effective treatment possible.