How to Answer: Under what circumstances would you feel that you need to turn the care of a client over to another counselor?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Addiction Counselor job interview.
7. Under what circumstances would you feel that you need to turn the care of a client over to another counselor?
How to Answer
Treating clients with addiction disorders can become a very personal task. These clients come to you during very vulnerable times. Building trust and establishing a solid counselor/client relationship is important. However, there are instances when circumstances arise that may lead you to refer the client to another counselor or doctor for continued care. The interviewer wants to know that you can identify these times and that you are capable of handling the transition professionally.
Written by Heather Douglass on December 22nd, 2018
1st Answer Example
"There are a few reasons I can think of that would make it necessary to turn the care of a client over to another counselor. One that is common is when a client begins to form an attachment to me that appears to be close to the line of being inappropriate. I don't believe that this is ever truly intentional for a client. Nevertheless, when one addiction is being addressed, clients often tend to replace those addictions and 'needs' with other things that satisfy that longing. For many addicts, the emotional support that we, as counselors, offer is often something that drives the client to feel an increased need to be with us. Therefore, when I feel that a client is beginning to develop an unhealthy attachment to me, I always refer to the attending psychiatrist on staff and ask for his input and recommendation for transfer of care."
Written by Heather Douglass on December 22nd, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"Personally, I thrive in a team environment. I see team projects as an opportunity to learn new skills!"
Written by Ryan Brown
1st Experienced
"Although I love being a counselor and I really enjoy being able to care for my clients through the process of their recovery, there are times that a transfer of care becomes necessary. Unfortunately, many people fighting addiction are driven by need, whether it's a need to be high, a need to eat, a need to gamble, or a need to be engaged in some type of relationship with someone. When a client's need to be connected to me becomes something that appears to be close to the line of compromising client/counselor roles, I always request a transfer of care. This protects the patient from developing unhealthy attachments, and it protects me from any accusations of inappropriate behaviors. Also, some clients just don't seem to connect with a particular counselor. If after three or four sessions I don't feel like the client is progressing, I like to refer the case to my supervisor for additional insight on how we should proceed. Sometimes transferring care is best for the client, and their best interest should always be the main focus."
Written by Rachelle Enns
2nd Experienced
"I have many years' experience working in a multidisciplinary team environment. I prefer working as part of a team because the collaboration ensures that each patient gets the best care possible."
Written by Rachelle Enns
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