Transference and countertransference: A review

Abstract

Originally a psychodynamic concept, the therapeutic relationship (also therapeutic alliance, helping alliance or simply alliance) has become a pan-theoretical model for the professional relationship between a therapist and his or her client (Kivlighan, 1995). With the development of this concept in the latter half of the 20th century, psychotherapeutic theory and practice saw a paradigm shift away from strict adherence to technique with little room for responsive, individual behavior from the therapist and toward the "authentic" human relationship at the core of therapy. This meant that more consideration was given to the idea of mutual influence from patient and therapist to the success of therapy (Safran & Muran, 2006). This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the complex and shifting research on the therapeutic relationship to promote a greater understanding of the concept.

The issues of transference and countertransference in tele-psychotherapy during COVID-19 outbreak

“…It is an oblivious occasion, the realization and mindfulness of which may be at the center of psychodynamic and explanatory treatments ( Aggarwal, 2020 ; McCluskey and O’Toole, 2019 ). Transference may be a central occasion which decides the relationship between the client and the mental health clinician/practioner in each psychotherapeutic experience ( Kanani and Regehr, 2003 ; McCluskey and O’Toole, 2019 ; Parth et al, 2017 ). In any case in which psychodynamic or classical psychoanalytic interventions are concerned, there is continuously an oblivious transference.…”

“…The client feels frail and powerless, talks discreetly, and is unknowingly looking for maternal security—somebody who “gets” them and who can do everything for them. In the event that their unhappiness is related to early misfortune encountered in their childhood, as is frequently the case, their oblivious transference serves the craving to re-establish the circumstance some time to remind them of the painful events they have experienced ( Parth et al, 2017 ; Veach et al, 2018 ). This may be related to idealizing trust, regarding the meaning of the transference perspectives to the mental health clinicians/practioners.…”

“…Countertransference in a broader sense is the full subliminal enthusiastic reaction of the individual giving treatment and a mental health clinician/practioner group to the behavior of a client, which incorporates their responses and states of mind coming about from the transference ( Gait and Halewood, 2019 ; Greenberg, 2016 ). That is, in a simpler sense, countertransference is the complementary response of the mental health clinician/practioner, which ought, moreover, which should be explained in a broader sense, including all the enthusiastic responses given by the client ( Aggarwal, 2020 ; McCluskey and O’Toole, 2019 ; Parth et al, 2017 ).…”

“… Step 2: Self- r eflection Self-reflection is done in order to resolve inner conflicts and reduce anxiety ( Aggarwal, 2020 ; Turner, 2010 ). Step 3: Develop the 'in the moment' t echnique If observed during the session, use presencing or centering techniques, such as conscious breathing to reduce the likelihood of countertransference occurring ( Parth et al, 2017 ; McAuley, 2003 ). Step 4: Art-psychotherapy techniques Use psychotherapy techniques with art, such as music or drawing to get to know yourself and be able to get to know more about the client's needs ( McCluskey and O’Toole, 2019 ; Schaverien, 2000 ).…”

The training of the apprentice psychotherapist in a psychoanalytic clinic in Brazilian universities

“…Refletindo sobre a formação sob este ponto de vista -o do aprendiz -observamos que a prática do atendimento clínico envolve elementos díspares, uma vez que a especificidade do objeto de estudo da psicanálise, o sujeito do inconsciente, confere uma formação não restrita ao campo da epistemologia envolvendo, igualmente, um posicionamento ético, conforme apontam diversos autores (Abdalla et al, 2008;Cury & Ferreira Neto, 2014;Silva et al, 2017). Deste modo, na prática, a vivência do atendimento representa a especificidade de um encontro clínico com o paciente da ordem do inconsciente e sua manifestação nesta relação intersubjetiva, tão peculiar e sutil, permite a criação de um espaço no qual surgirão fenômenos inconscientes e conscientes da dupla analítica, a serem considerados e trabalhados no núcleo terapêutico (Santos Filho, 2007;Kernberg, 2011;Parth, Datz, Seidman & Löffler-Stastka, 2017).…”