What issue do level two counselors typically face?

Level two counselors often face challenges related to their focus on transference. This is a significant issue because as counselors progress in their training and development, they might become increasingly aware of and preoccupied with the dynamics of transference – the phenomenon where clients project their feelings, desires, and expectations from past relationships onto the counselor.

While it is essential for counselors to understand transference as it can influence the therapeutic process, an excessive focus on it can lead to difficulties in maintaining objectivity and in effectively addressing the broader therapeutic needs of clients. This can hinder their ability to navigate the therapeutic relationship effectively and may divert attention from other critical aspects of counseling, such as establishing rapport, assessing client needs, and implementing appropriate interventions.

In contrast, issues such as being overly technique-oriented or resisting confrontation might relate to different levels of counselor development or personal characteristics but are not specific to the level two stage. Additionally, being unprepared for supervisor challenges could apply to novice counselors as they transition into the professional role, while level two counselors should already have some experience under supervision. Thus, a strong emphasis on transference is a more defining issue encountered by counselors in this developmental phase.