EPA-1419 – Schema modes, transference and countertransference

Abstract

Transference and counter transference could be significant sources of insight about the patient's, therapist's and supervisor's inner worlds. Transference phenomena are viewed as a reenactment in the treatment relationship of key elements of previous significant relationships. Counter transference occurs in CBT when the relationship with the patient activates automatic thoughts and schemas in the clinician, and these cognitions have the potential for influencing the therapy process. Counter transference also occurs during supervision and is an indispensable part of the supervisor's response to the supervisee. Schema therapy shares the view that schemas are crucial to understanding of personality disorders, but also can help to understand the emotional reaction of therapist. A mode is the set of schema operations that are in one moment functioning for a person. It is a circumscribed complex pattern of emotional, cognitive a behavioral experiences, which operate in typical situations. When therapist suspects that counter transference may be developing, he/she could try to identify her/his automatic thoughts and schemas. More comprehensive approach is to quickly identify in which mode him/her are at that moment and reflect it such reaction is for the patient benefit or not. Understanding therapist counter transference reactions and theirs management are a significant point of supervision. Self reflection and realizing the counter transference can therapist help to overcome it and may be necessary for overcoming stagnation in therapy. Understanding own mode and their flipping into the therapeutic session is an important tool in psychotherapy and supervision.