Abstract
Introduction: In abortion counselling, the counsellor is generally supposed to be supportive, non-judgmental and neutral. However, counsellors can be confronted with strong internal emotions i.e., counter-transference reactions. Counter-transference may paralyse a counsellor’s investigation and push the counsellor to lose their position of neutrality. Objective: The objective of this article is to show counsellors the importance of integrating counter-transference in abortion counselling to increase the efficacy of their investigation and to maintain a neutral position. Method: A systematic search of the literature was performed. The studies retained for review had to discuss certain aspects of abortion counselling interview techniques, specifically maintaining neutrality and dealing with countertransference. Results: Eight studies matched our criteria. All studies stressed the danger of losing neutrality for the counsellor. A few authors suggested paying attention to this non-conscious process to better help patients. Conclusions: We propose applying the psychoanalytical theory on neutrality and counter-transference to the abortion counselling setting. A cognitive awareness of counter-transference feelings may help the counsellor to understand the non-conscious transference-counter-transference dynamic and to use the moment when neutrality is lost to improve the patients comprehension of ambivalence. Keywords: Abortion counselling, ambivalence, neutrality, counter-transference, Abortion, psychoanalytical, termination of pregnancy, legalisation of abortion, embryo, counselling techniques, counsellor, patient-counsellor dyad, gynaecologist, psychologist, psychiatrist, transfero-countertrasference dynamic, counsellor-patient interaction, psychotherapeutical encounter, doctor-patient relationship, psychoanalyst, therapist's attitude, sadistic patient, Pines' observations, contraceptive pill, psychotherapy, non-conscious processes, Psychoanalytical literature, participating Ego, geneticists, psychological vulnerability, legal abortion, Unplanned pregnancies
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