Most of the literature on countertransference in clinical social work practice is based on assumptions that the relationship between the client and practitioner is structured and formal. These assumptions do not apply in community-based case management practice, where the social worker and client interact in a variety of settings and circumstances. Additionally, the complex problems of clients who have serious mental illnesses may evoke a range of conscious and unconscious reactions from social

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... workers that must be acknowledged for appropriate intervention to occur. In this paper key principles for the supervisor's recognition and management of countertransference are presented and discussed. Case illustrations are included.