Countertransference in Psychotherapy - Overview, Types & Impact

Sigmund Freud, the developer of psychoanalysis, first coined the term “countertransference.” In his opinion, this is an obstacle to a therapist’s work. However, over the years, this notion has changed.

There is a school that believes countertransference in psychotherapy is inevitable, but it can prove beneficial if monitored carefully. To get an overview of the subject, keep reading!

In order to understand the difference between transference and countertransference in psychotherapy, it is necessary to learn its definition.

Definition

Transference is when a client unknowingly transfers feelings about someone to their therapist. According to Freud and Breuer, this unconscious and the deep sense tends to develop in a therapeutic relationship. In contrast, countertransference is how a therapist's feelings get redirected towards a client.

Example

Here is an example to understand better. While discussing a past experience, a client reacts angrily to the therapist; this is transference.

When a therapist experiences this rude and aggressive behaviour of the client, it reminds them of a past instance. This results in expressing their feelings related to that unresolved issue to the client. This is called countertransference.

It is not true that there has to be a link between countertransference and transference. Sometimes it can be connected, but it is not compulsory.

Out of the four types of countertransference, three can harm the clients if it is not timely detected.

• Subjective: This is when a therapist's issues become the leading cause of countertransference. Subjective countertransference can hamper a productive therapy session and cause harm to the client.
• Objective: Due to a client’s maladaptive behaviour, the therapist reacts. However, this is helpful in the process.
• Positive: Positive countertransference in psychotherapy happens when a therapist is over-supportive. In some instances, a therapist opens up too much to befriend a client.
• Negative: When a therapist acts negatively to a client's reaction, like being overly critical, this is called negative countertransference. Unfortunately, this also harms a therapist’s relationship with their clients.

The countertransference of a therapist is often unconscious or unintentional. Hence, it becomes difficult for them to correct those exhibiting signs. Here are some warning signs therapists need to monitor if there is any presence of countertransference in their practices:

In Adult Therapy

• Having any kind of extreme feelings, whether hatred or affection for a client.
  
• Becoming too attached to a client and being preoccupied with the case.
• Feeling uncomfortable during a session.

In Children Therapy

• Fantasising about rescuing the child from their situation.
• Ignoring signs towards the child when they show abnormal behaviour.
• Showing encouragement to let them act out in any way.

For a therapist, it is a must to be aware of countertransference so they can identify and work on it immediately. Thus not causing any harm to their clients. The following are the pointers therapists must consider if they experience countertransference with clients:

• Recognising Countertransference: The first and foremost step is to identify the issue. Countertransference is a condition that can happen at any given point. Nevertheless, a professional therapist has to recognise the issue as soon as it happens. In this way, they can curb its adverse effects.
• Seek Help From Your Colleagues: After successfully identifying countertransference in psychotherapy, a therapist needs to consult it with their colleagues. Many professionals have mastered the ways of managing this issue. Thus, seeking help is highly recommended.
• Self-Care: Generally, when a therapist is going through a rough phase, they encounter countertransference. Therefore every professional therapist must take some time off and maintain a good mindset at work.
• Refer the Client to Another Therapist: If none of the above tips works for a therapist, they can always refer their client to another professional. This would benefit both the client as well as the therapist.

Recent studies show countertransference is proven beneficial in other forms of therapy. For example, a systematic review of 25 countertransference studies found that "positive countertransference" can improve therapist-client relationships. Furthermore, a meta-analysis published in “Psychotherapy" talks about the impact of countertransference.

Countertransference in psychotherapy is very common, and if not handled properly, it can cause severe damage to a therapist-client relationship. This is why therapists should be aware of the warning signs and remember to put their client's requirements first.