Ethics & Boundaries: Transference and Countertransference when Working with Clients and Families

Learn how transference and countertransference shape client relationships in human services. This program supports professionals in identifying key emotional dynamics and upholding clear, ethical boundaries within their practice.

Understanding Transference, Countertransference, and Ethical Considerations in Practice

This course provides human service professionals with a clear, practical understanding of transference and countertransference and how these unconscious emotional dynamics shape provider–client relationships. Participants will learn how these clinical concepts emerge from past experiences, influence interactions with clients and families, and affect boundaries and ethical decision‑making. Through instruction, discussion, and case examples, the training offers guidance for recognizing these dynamics in practice and responding in ways that support and balance professional relationships.

Learning Objectives

• Define transference and countertransference within the context of therapeutic relationships.
• Identify when transference and countertransference are exerting positive and negative influence on the therapeutic relationship and impacting therapeutic outcomes.
• Understand the ethical challenges associated with transference and countertransference, including blurring of professional and personal boundaries, conflicts of interest, self-disclosure, and biases.
• Learn skills for utilizing transference and countertransference productively in the context of working with children and families.

This program meets Wisconsin Ethics and Boundaries continuing education requirements for human service professionals.

Who should attend

Human service professionals such as social workers, professional counselors, and therapists.

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  Michael I. Axelrod, Ph.D. is currently the director of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire’s Human Development Center and a Professor in the Department of Psychology. His research and clinical interests involve finding solutions to common but potentially harmful child and adolescent problems. He is the author of three books and has written numerous professional papers and presented nationally on topics involving child, pediatric, and school psychology. Drawing on nearly 30 years of experience providing clinical services to children, adolescents, and families, Dr. Axelrod uses his knowledge and expertise, along with a little humor, to teach practitioners ways to be more effective in everyday practice.