Relational Quandaries in the Treatment of Forensic Clients

This article examines the sources of relational difficulties inherent in clinical work with forensic clients. Left alone, common countertransference feelings, responses, and defense mechanisms can disrupt and ultimately derail treatment. Concepts relating to the management of countertransference offer a path with which to integrate therapists’ affective reactions as a mechanism of therapy. A relational framework utilizing the affective dynamics between client and therapist to develop and promote treatment goals is introduced and the process of formulating it is described. Practice examples are offered.