Under what circumstances would you feel that you need to turn the care of a client over to another counselor?
"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."
"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."
"Personally, I thrive in a team environment. I see team projects as an opportunity to learn new skills!"
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.
"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."
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Anonymous Answer
For example, if it's determined that the client needs a higher level of care than the counselor is not adequately trained for. Also, if a dual relationship exists such as the client is a family member, friend or business associate.
Kristine's Feedback
Great response! The interviewer will see there are clear situations where you would welcome others to care for a client. I assisted with wording in a few places to help with clarity.
I would be willing to turn a client over to the care of someone else if we determined the client needed a higher level of care, and I did not have adequate training to serve their needs. Also, I would reveal if a dual relationship existed with a client, such as if the client was a family member, friend, or business associate. That way, they could be assigned to someone else without a conflicting interest.
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