The Interns Play: A Mimetic Approach to Introducing and Working with Countertransference in Professional Training

Abstract

An approach is presented that introduces the concept of countertransference to predoctoral interns and externs in a unique way during their professional training. This approach goes beyond a didactic presentation of the concept and even beyond discussion of case material in supervision. Through an experiential role-play process called Mimesis, trainees are encouraged to enact scenes from literature that depict typical dilemmas that psychotherapists working in a psychodynamic framework must face. By using carefully chosen stories, supervisors can highlight aspects of the therapeutic process such as managing countertransference feelings. This approach fosters a more flexible and open inquiry into one of the most daunting aspects of professional development for both trainees and supervisors.