What might characterize counter-transference in a counselor-client relationship?

Counter-transference in a counselor-client relationship is primarily characterized by the counselor projecting their own feelings, attitudes, and unresolved issues onto the client. This dynamic occurs when the counselor's personal experiences, emotions, or conflicts influence their reactions and interactions with the client.

When a counselor projects their feelings, it can distort the therapeutic relationship and may lead to difficulty in maintaining objectivity. This projection can cause the counselor to over-identify with the client’s struggles or to respond in ways that are more about the counselor's issues rather than the client's needs. Understanding counter-transference is crucial for counselors, as it helps them to recognize their biases and maintain a professional stance that benefits the client.

The other options touch on aspects of the counseling process but do not accurately define counter-transference. For instance, the emotional response of the counselor when discussing addiction may be a part of their professional experience but does not specifically denote counter-transference. Similarly, the client's reactions to the counselor's advice or the absence of professional boundaries may represent different challenges within the therapeutic relationship but are not indicative of counter-transference itself.