countertransference Definition
- 1the emotional reaction of a therapist to a patient which reflects the therapist's unconscious feelings and attitudes toward the patient
- 2the transfer of the therapist's own unconscious feelings onto the patient
Using countertransference: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "countertransference" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The therapist's countertransference towards the patient was affecting the therapy sessions.
Example
Countertransference can be a useful tool in therapy if the therapist is aware of their own emotions.
Example
The therapist had to work through their countertransference towards the patient in order to provide effective treatment.
Summary: countertransference in Brief
Countertransference [koun-ter-trans-fer-uhns] is a term used in psychotherapy to describe the therapist's emotional reaction to a patient, which reflects the therapist's unconscious feelings and attitudes toward the patient. It can be a useful tool in therapy if the therapist is aware of their own emotions, but it can also negatively affect therapy sessions if not addressed.
