4: Professional Relationship

Helping Relationships

a professional relationship used to support the client’s goals

Rapport

a sense of trust and connection that makes communication easier

Empathy

understand and communicate the client’s feelings and point of view

Congruence

be real, consistent, and professionally honest

Use of Self

use your personality, presence, skills, and reactions thoughtfully to help the client

Professional Boundary

the line that keeps the relationship safe and focused on the client

Power Differential

the worker has professional authority and access that can affect the client

Dual Relationship

the worker and the client have another relationship outside of the helping role

Self-Disclosure

The worker shares personal information about themself

Transference

the client reacts to the worker as if they were someone important from the client’s past

Countertransference

the worker’s own feelings/history strongly affect reactions to the client

Resistance

behavior that may show fear/ambivalence, mistrust, low readiness, or a poor fit - not simply “being difficult”

Silence

can be communication and does not always need to be filled

Supervision

a structured professional relationship for accountability, learning, support and safe practice

Consultation

seeks specialized advice while usually keeping responsibility for the case

Interdisciplinary Teamwork

professionals from different field work together around client needs

Conflict with Colleague

handle disagreement directly, respectfully, and focus on client welfare

Professional Impairment

a worker’s condition may interfere with safe practice

Burnout

work stress can reduce energy, empathy, judgment, and effectiveness

Termination Relationship

end services clearly and professionally rather than disappearing or creating dependence

Professional Development

keep learning so practice stays current and competent