What does counter-transference refer to in a coaching context?

Counter-transference in a coaching context refers to feelings and thoughts that are elicited within the coach as a result of their interaction with the coachee. This phenomenon occurs when a coach, influenced by their own past experiences, emotions, and biases, reacts to the coachee in a way that is informed by their personal history rather than the immediate coaching relationship. Such emotional responses can impact the effectiveness of the coaching, as they may cause the coach to project their own issues onto the coachee or to have distorted perceptions based on their feelings.

In coaching, being aware of counter-transference is crucial for maintaining professional boundaries and providing effective support. Coaches must be trained to recognize their emotional reactions and ensure they do not interfere with the coaching process or the coachee's growth.

The other choices highlight different concepts that do not capture the essence of counter-transference. Unconscious emotional experiences exchanged between individuals may relate more closely to therapeutic settings rather than the specific dynamic of coach and coachee. Goals set by the coachee pertain to the development framework in coaching, while feedback from the coachee is a critical part of the coaching process but does not encompass the idea of counter-transference. Overall, recognizing and managing counter-trans