Reference no: EM133601079

Question: In our opinion, this case is a good example of a situation in which the counselor was more concerned with the bind he was in than the bind his client was in. The nature of a therapist's work is to take care of the client's difficulty first. Austin assumed that he correctly understood Sienna's message, and his response served his emotional needs rather than Sienna's. Had Austin put his client's needs first, he would have encouraged Sienna to discuss the meaning for her of the embrace. Austin also must be mindful of his own possible counter-transference and how this could be affecting the manner in which he interpreted Sienna's comments. Counselors need to be cautious in applying "routine" practices without considering their unique relationship with the client as well as the client's particular concerns being addressed in counseling. Touching should be approached with caution and with respect for the client's boundaries.