What is transference and countertransference in therapy?

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 is an example of transference in therapy?

Transference occurs when a person redirects some of their feelings or desires for another person to an entirely different person. One example of transference is when you observe characteristics of your father in a new boss. You attribute fatherly feelings to this new boss. They can be good or bad feelings.

How do you manage transference and countertransference in therapy?

Step 1: Increase your own awareness of when it is occurring

1. Ensure you are aware of own countertransference.
2. Attend to client transference patterns from the start.
3. Notice resistance to coaching.
4. Pick up on cues that may be defences.
5. Follow anxieties.
6. Spot feelings and wishes beneath those anxieties.

How do therapists deal with countertransference?

If a therapist is experiencing countertransference with their client, they should do the following.

1. Recognize it. Countertransference can easily happen no matter how seasoned a mental health provider is or how long they have been in the field.
2. Consult with Colleagues.
3. Self-Care.
4. Refer Your Client Out.

What are signs of countertransference?

Warning Signs of Counter-Transference

• An unreasonable dislike for the client or excessive positive feelings about the client.
• Becoming over-emotional and preoccupied with the client’s case between sessions.
• Dreading the therapy session or feeling uncomfortable during the session.

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.

What are the three types of transference?

There are three types of transference:

• Positive.
• Negative.
• Sexualized.

How common is transference in therapy?

Transference is a common occurrence among humans, and it may often occur in therapy, but it does not necessarily imply a mental health condition. Transference can also occur in various situations outside of therapy and may form the basis for certain relationship patterns in everyday life.

How do I know if my therapist has countertransference?

Warning Signs of Counter-Transference

1. An unreasonable dislike for the client or excessive positive feelings about the client.
2. Becoming over-emotional and preoccupied with the client’s case between sessions.
3. Dreading the therapy session or feeling uncomfortable during the session.

Can countertransference be positive?

There are two types of countertransference: negative and positive. Positive countertransference may be used to some benefit in a therapist-client relationship.

How do you identify countertransference in therapy?

Is countertransference always bad?

Despite its negative connotations, countertransference itself is not a bad thing. Rather, it’s the ignoring of countertransference that gets counselors into trouble. For example, the ultimate counseling taboo likely involves crossing ethical boundaries and having a sexual relationship with a client.

Is transference a bad thing in therapy?

Transference can be a good thing. You experience positive transference when you apply enjoyable aspects of your past relationships to your relationship with your therapist. This can have a positive outcome because you see your therapist as caring, wise and concerned about you.

Does transference get in the way of therapy?

Yes, sometimes transference can have an adverse effect on therapy. However, if you are seeing someone who was psychoanalytically educated and trained, transference is basically the heart of therapy. So one thing I wanted to make clear-when transference “gets in the way” of therapy positive transference can be just as or more

What does transference and counter transference mean?

Transference and countertransference describe two commonly occurring scenarios within a counseling relationship. Both transference and countertransference represent the manner in which the client acts and feels toward the therapist and vice versa.

What is transference good for, exactly?

Transference helps with identifying distorted perceptions of self, others, and object representations . It’s seen as a way to gain direct access into the client’s internal world, and inconsistent perceptions of shared reality are addressed in therapy.