When a Client Lashes Out: Sharing Feelings or Seeking Supervision?

In the dynamic and sensitive realm of therapy, therapists often face situations where a client may express anger, frustration, or even lash out, whether through email, text, or other forms of communication. Such incidents can be distressing for therapists, who are dedicated to maintaining a safe and supportive environment. But how should a therapist respond when faced with a client's outburst? Should they share their feelings with the client, or should they seek guidance through supervision?

The Importance of Context

First and foremost, it's crucial to understand that the response to a client lashing out depends heavily on the context in which the situation occurs. A therapist's emotional response to a client's outburst can vary based on multiple factors, including the nature of the therapy relationship, the specific comments made, and the overall context of the session.

To practice self-disclosure, which involves sharing one's feelings with a client, is a deliberate and intentional act. A therapist might choose to share their emotional response with a client if they believe it could benefit the therapeutic relationship or provide insight into the client's thoughts and feelings. This is a nuanced approach and is not taken lightly, as it can significantly impact the therapist-client dynamics.

Seeking Professional Support Through Supervision

In contrast, bringing an issue to supervision is about seeking professional support and guidance in one's role rather than sharing sensitive information directly with the client. Supervisors are experienced professionals who can offer invaluable insights, support, and advice. Whether a therapist feels hurt, or if there are other complex emotions at play, seeking supervision is often the best course of action. While an incident like a client lashing out might prompt a therapist to seek supervision, merely having a client express strong emotions is generally not sufficient reason to bring the issue to supervision.

Supervision can provide therapists with the necessary support to navigate emotionally challenging situations. It also helps therapists to reflect on their own feelings and reactions, which can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of the therapeutic process. Nevertheless, the decision to share any emotional response with a client should be made thoughtfully and based on the specific circumstances and the potential benefits it could bring to the therapeutic relationship.

Ensuring Safety and Professional Boundaries

While these options provide a framework for addressing a client's outburst, there are also scenarios where a therapist must prioritize safety and professional boundaries. If there are indications of potential harm, such as threats of violence, the therapist should take immediate and appropriate actions. This may include terminating any further contact with the patient and informing their superiors or relevant authorities. Ensuring the safety of both the therapist and the client is of paramount importance.

Additionally, it is important to remember that therapists are not merely clients but patients. Clinicians who work in the field of psychotherapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and radiation therapy, among others, have a professional obligation to ensure that their patients receive the highest quality of care. The term "client" can sometimes be misleading, as it suggests a more passive role, whereas in reality, patients expect active, professional guidance and support.

The Role of Supervision in Therapy

After discussing the issue with a supervisor, the therapist can then determine if and how to address the situation with the client. This may involve sharing the therapist's feelings and thoughts in a way that promotes a productive therapeutic discussion. Such discussions can be valuable in exploring the underlying issues that led to the outburst, addressing misunderstandings, or facilitating deeper self-reflection on the therapist's part.

Whether the therapist chooses to share their feelings with the client or seeks guidance through supervision first, the ultimate goal is to ensure that the therapeutic relationship remains strong and beneficial. By navigating these challenging situations with care and professional judgment, therapists can foster an environment of trust and understanding, ultimately benefiting both the therapist and the client.

In conclusion, the response to a client's outburst should be guided by the specific circumstances, the need for safety, and the potential benefits of professional support. Both self-disclosure and seeking supervision play important roles in maintaining a healthy and effective therapeutic relationship.

Keywords: therapist, client, supervision, self-disclosure, psychotherapy