Countertransference with Clients who Have Schizophrenia: A Social Work Perspective

Abstract

Social work practitioners face particular challenges when working with clients who have schizophrenia, as it is often difficult to develop positive relationships with them. Social workers' ability to engage with their clients is critical and depends in part on the social workers' sensitivity to countertransference reactions. The purpose of this article is to review the potentially positive and negative effects of social workers' countertransference feelings when working with clients who have schizophrenia. The topic is addressed through a consideration of the nature of schizophrenia, the nature of transference and countertransference, and a detailed case presentation.