Now that I have your attention, I’d like to share some of the information I uncovered when completing my dissertation. Studies show clients are failing to get their sexual issues addressed, and since counseling supervisors are ultimately in a unique position to assist, I wanted to know how supervisors are supporting clinicians. The results were a little surprising.
Sexual issues are common, with approximately 30-40% of the population having experienced a sexual issue. Given these numbers, one might expect counselors to spend a lot of their time resolving these issues. Unresolved sexual issues can be harmful; they can destroy relationships, destroy self-esteem and negatively affect other areas of clients’ lives. Research also suggests that clients aren’t going to initiate these conversations for many reasons: embarrassment, not thinking it’s an appropriate topic, waiting for the counselor (as expert) to bring it up. Yet, research suggests counselors generally fail at initiating these conversations with clients. This is a problem.
Why aren’t counselors bringing these topics up? Many of the same reasons that clients fail to initiate (shame, embarrassment, etc.) However, as counselors we are expected to rise above our own deficiencies in order to help our clients. We cannot indulge our own negative impulses because we can harm people. And it isn’t just personal discomfort that causes counselors to remain silent about sexual topics. Research suggests that both a lack of knowledge and lack of experience can affect counselors as well.
Supervisors are in a unique position to assist counselors in this area. One of the functions of supervision is to help counselors process their own negative reactions when working with clients, including counter-transference. Because sexual issues are likely, and counselors may feel uncomfortable initiating the topic, it follows that supervisors should assist in this area. Yet, many fail to do so.
What does this mean for you? If you are an intern under supervision, know that asking your supervisor about your clients’ sexual issues is not only completely appropriate, it is expected. Or at least it should be. Just as clients should reject counselors who refuse to “go there” with them, so should interns reject supervisors who make them feel uncomfortable for bringing these topics up. Not only is it is your right to have support where you need it, the ACA ethics codes dictate that client well-being is a priority. Find another supervisor if your current one isn’t being helpful. It is simply unacceptable for supervisors not to support in this area.
Yes, you can change supervisors. Just as the counseling relationship is important for client outcomes, so is the supervisory relationship. A lack of alliance between you and your supervisor can equate to poor service for the client. Clearly this is unacceptable. You wouldn’t tell a client to continue seeing a counselor they couldn’t trust with their most vulnerable information, would you? Well, why would you stay with a supervisor who won’t honor you in a similar way?
Yours in the Joy of Knowledge,
Dr. Barbara LoFrisco
