HSV203 Introduction to Counseling Unit 4 DB: Transference Case Study, POST University, May 2025

 HSV203 Introduction to Counseling Unit 4 DB: Transference Case Study 

 

Mia, a 32-year-old woman, has been in supportive counseling for six months to address issues related to anxiety and low self-esteem. Her counselor, Josiah, is a middle-aged man with over 20 years of experience in the field. Mia has a history of difficult relationships with male authority figures, particularly her father, who was often critical and emotionally distant. 

Recently, Josiah noticed that Mia's behavior towards him has changed. She has become increasingly deferential and anxious to please him, often seeking his approval and expressing fears of disappointing him. During sessions, Mia frequently brings up topics related to her father and sometimes addresses Josiah as "Dad" by mistake. She also seems to react strongly to his feedback, interpreting neutral comments as critical and feeling deeply hurt. 

How does this case illustrate the concept of transference? What specific behaviors and feelings indicate that Mia is experiencing transference with Josiah? 

 

To begin with, this person should not have a male counselor. The best counselor for this client would be a female. If her known problems are with men older than her, then giving her a counselor who is in the same age range would only contribute to the problem.  

What is being described is obvious for a person whose problems rest with older men who are a part of her life. The minute the client called the counselor “dad” that should have been the biggest clue that this male counselor should have been replaced.  

 

What are the potential impacts of Mia’s transference on the therapeutic relationship? How might it affect the progress of her therapy? 

 

I think what is happening in those counseling sessions would be normal if it is known that she has issues with men in authority positions, which is what the counselor is. This is another reason why this client should be move to a female counselor with experience in helping clients with similar problems.  

 

Assuming the role of Josiah, how would you address Mia’s transference in a supportive way that does not negatively impact the relationship? What strategies would you use to help her understand and work through these feelings? 

 

If I were Josiah, I would put it out front that Josiah is not her father. Be straightforward with the client that the counselor is not her father. The counselor should ask if it would be more appropriate for the client to have a female counselor, since it is obvious that the client is becoming confused between the counselor and her own father.