Freud coined the terms transference and countertransference to refer to the psychodynamics of the therapeutic relationship. Transference refers to the client transferring feelings or projecting onto the therapist; whereas countertransference refers to the therapist transferring onto the client. Freud believed that transference and countertransference were “universal,” and they are indeed inevitabilities in human relationships (Riedbord, 2010). Moreover, the phenomena of transference and countertransference can be detrimental to the therapeutic relationship, especially when they are undetected or ignored. As Hughes & Kerr (2000) put it, transference and countertransference are “inappropriate” because instead of addressing the actual client’s concerns and issues, the therapeutic conversation is shifted to one that is counterproductive to the therapeutic goals (p. 57). Countertransference violates the therapeutic alliance and needs to be remedied, primarily with self-awareness (Hughes & Kerr, 2000).

I have experienced both transference and countertransference. When working with counselors, I have externalized my feelings about parental or authority figures, projecting them onto the counselor. This led to my not being able to trust the therapist entirely. As a counselor, I have also recognized the tendency to project and to counter-transfer. The relationship between the client and the counselor is mediated by so many different variables like age, gender, and ethnicity. When we recognize certain features in our clients or our counselors, we may draw irrational cognitive connections between similar figures in our personal and private lives. It is natural to do so, but because transference and countertransference are detrimental to the therapeutic goals, they need to be mitigated by remaining vigilant. The counselor or therapist is ultimately responsible for recognizing when transference or countertransference might occur, being aware of the warning signs and being willing to terminate the therapeutic relationship if necessary.

References

Hughes, P. & Kerr, I. (2000). Transference and countertransference in communication between doctor and patient. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment 6(1): 57-64.

Riedbord, S. (2010). Countertransference: an overview. Psychology Today. Retrieved online: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/sacramento-street-psychiatry/201003/countertransference-overview