In psychoanalytic theory, counter-transference occurs when the therapist projects their own unresolved conflicts onto the client. This could be in response to something the client has unearthed. Although many now believe it to be inevitable, counter-transference can be damaging if not appropriately managed.
Table of Contents
What are counter transference issues?
In psychoanalytic theory, counter-transference occurs when the therapist projects their own unresolved conflicts onto the client. This could be in response to something the client has unearthed. Although many now believe it to be inevitable, counter-transference can be damaging if not appropriately managed.
What is transference and counter transference?
Transference is subconsciously associating a person in the present with a past relationship. For example, you meet a new client who reminds you of a former lover. Countertransference is responding to them with all the thoughts and feelings attached to that past relationship.
What is a transference issue?
Transference is when someone redirects their feelings about one person onto someone else. During a therapy session, it usually refers to a person transferring their feelings about someone else onto their therapist. Countertransference is when a therapist transfers feelings onto the patient.
What is transference and counter transference in Counselling?
Countertransference, which occurs when a therapist transfers emotions to a person in therapy, is often a reaction to transference, a phenomenon in which the person in treatment redirects feelings for others onto the therapist.
What are examples of countertransference?
Examples of countertransference
- inappropriately disclosing personal information.
- offering advice.
- not having boundaries.
- developing strong romantic feelings toward you.
- being overly critical of you.
- being overly supportive of you.
- allowing personal feelings or experiences to get in the way of your therapy.
Why is transference and countertransference important?
First, transference helps therapists better understand the client’s formative relationships, so it can produce insight. Second, the therapist can point out what’s happening, also giving the client a better understanding of how the dynamic may be impacting other relationships in their life.
What are signs of transference?
Transference is often (though not always) the culprit when you feel triggered, emotionally hurt, or misunderstood in a therapy session. One tell-tale sign of transference is when your feelings or reactions seem bigger than they should be. You don’t just feel frustrated, you feel enraged.
What is counter transference in social work?
The Social Work Dictionary defines “countertransference” as a set of conscious or unconscious emotional reactions to a client experienced by a social worker or professional, and has established specific ethical issues to consider in practice (Barker, 2014).
How do you manage transference and countertransference?
Some ways to manage transference and countertransference in therapy include the following.
- Peer support. Consult a colleague, supervisor, or clinical director when feeling an emotional trigger or response.
- Continual self-reflection.
- Clear boundaries.
- Mindfulness.
- Empathy.
Is countertransference an ethical issue?
However, issues of co-transference , when not addressed appropriately, may also give rise to ethical issues related to practice competence. A failure to recognize and/or address issues of transference and/or countertransference appropriately could potentially subject a client to a risk of harm.
What’s the meaning of countertransference?
Definition of countertransference 1 : psychological transference especially by a psychotherapist during the course of treatment especially : the psychotherapist’s reactions to the patient’s transference. 2 : the complex of feelings of a psychotherapist toward the patient.
What is countertransference psychology?
n. the therapist’s unconscious (and often conscious) reactions to the patient and to the patient’s transference. These thoughts and feelings are based on the therapist’s own psychological needs and conflicts and may be unexpressed or revealed through conscious responses to patient behavior.