Understanding Of Countertransference Research Articles

중급상담자의 역전이 경험에 대한 현상학적 연구

This study is a phenomenological study conducted to deal in depth with counselors'understanding of countertransference, actual experience of countertransference in counseling,coping with it, and the growth of intermediate counselors, focusing on middle-level counselors. Tothis end, in-depth interviews were conducted with middle-level counselors with 4 to 10 years ofcounseling experience, how they experienced countertransference through meetings with clients inthe counseling field, and how they understood and coped with it. Finally, 117 configured semanticunits, 27 sub-themes, and 6 super-topics were derived. Upper themes include triggers that causeloss of balance, inadvertently revealed countertransference, the moment one becomes aware ofcountertransference, developing a counseling sense, using a crisis in a relationship as a therapeuticturning point, and transforming into a seasoned counselor after going through growing pains. Thesignificance of this study is that it presented the meaning of concrete and vivid experiences ofcountertransference through a phenomenological research method, explored the meaning andcharacteristics of countertransference experienced by intermediate counselors, and presentedcounseling implications based on this.

A trans-theoretical training designed to promote understanding and management of countertransference for trainee therapists

Objective: There is evidence that awareness of countertransference (CT) in combination with a conceptualization of CT facilitates its management. This study examines the impact of a trans-theoretical training designed to make the construct of CT accessible to trainee therapists in programs oriented towards cognitive-behavioral therapy. The training aimed to enhance trainees’ awareness, understanding, and management of CT. Method: Academics at five New Zealand universities introduced the training into their curriculum. Five academics and 54 clinical psychology trainees evaluated it, responding to open-ended questions on the impact of the training on awareness, understanding, and management of CT. They also rated the training’s effectiveness. Results: The majority of trainees reported increased awareness and conceptualization of CT. They rated the training as useful for professional practice and reported increased commitment to monitoring CT. Academics also observed trainees’ increased awareness and understanding of CT and openness to discussing it. Trainees and academics were less confident in trainees’ abilities to manage CT in clinical practice, although trainees reported gains in this area. Conclusions: The training appeared to enhance awareness and conceptualization of CT, processes that support its management. However, future research into training models needs to examine the impact on CT management in clinical practice.

Projective identification and working through of the countertransference: A multiphase model

Referring to Melanie Klein's unpublished views on projective identification, Bion's theory of container/contained and Money‐Kyrle's understanding of countertransference as a process of transformation, the author develops a multiphase model of projective identification. He differentiates five subphases of (1) adhesion, (2) penetration, (3) linking of the projection with an internal object of the analyst, (4) transformation and (5) re‐projection. In the author's view the differentiation of overlapping subphases may be helpful to better localize problems of working through the countertransference. Some technical implications are illustrated by brief clinical vignettes. To conclude, the paper discusses typical impasses and options for interpretation.

Object Relations in Contemporary Psychoanalysis

Object relations perspectives have contributed greatly to the contemporary concept of a two-person analytic process, even among traditional psychoanalysts. With the recognition of intersubjectivity, the caricatured ideal of the affectless, neutral analyst has been replaced by a model of an empathic analyst with therapeutic interest and sufficient neutrality and objectivity. Object relations theories have also been important in the changed understanding of countertransference from a focal blind spot to a ubiquitous influence that can advance analytic progress. “Minding the gap” between the different schools, I describe and briefly comment on the contrasting views of relatively traditional or mainstream theory and practice, and object relations theory and practice. I discuss the shift from a one-person focus on the intrapsychic conflicts of the patient to both a one and a two-person analytic process. I consider countertransference as well as transference; the emphasis on “here-and-now” analytic relationships; analytic change effected through interpretation and insight versus change through the dyadic object relationship and experience; and the analyst as new and real object alongside the analyst as a transference object. From a theoretical perspective I address object relationships as the necessary precursor and foundation for psychic structure formation within the tripartite structural theory and as contrasted with and contributed to by object relations theory. Object relations versus instinctual drive theory and the notions of external object relationships versus unconscious self- and object representation and internalized object relations are also discussed.

Gabbard Explains Dos and Don'ts Of Teaching Psychotherapy

Gabbard Explains Dos and Don'ts Of Teaching Psychotherapy

Recent theoretical convergences in psychoanalysis and their epistemological importance.

In this paper, the author starts by examining the recent occurrence of an increasing receptivity and critical exchange between different schools of psychoanalytical thought. Among its consequences have been convergences in the understanding of countertransference, especially through the hypotheses of projective identification and countertransferential enactment. The prevalence of these hypotheses points towards the fact that the community of analysts is bringing about an informal and convergent clinical research conducted by a wide and heterogeneous range of its members. The importance and epistemological relevance of this kind of 'informal clinical research' for the construction of psychoanalytical knowledge is emphasised. This process in psychoanalysis is compared with the evolution of knowledge in other scientific areas, highlighting their similarities and their differences. The author shows how Freud's 'mystic writing-pad'model can be expanded to represent the object of psychoanalytical investigation and to bring a better understanding of the reason why the hypotheses of projective identification and countertransferential enactment occupy such a central position in psychoanalysis. In addition, consideration is given to how this kind of research can help in the difficult task of finding criteria for the evaluation of different psychoanalytical concepts. Finally, the author demonstrates how, using this approach, some of the important divergences in contemporary psychoanalysis can be viewed from a new perspective.

Recent theoretical convergences in psychoanalysis and their epistemological importance

In this paper, the author starts by examining the recent occurrence of an increasing receptivity and critical exchange between different schools of psychoanalytical thought. Among its consequences have been convergences in the understanding of countertransference, especially through the hypotheses of projective identification and countertransferential enactment. The prevalence of these hypotheses points towards the fact that the community of analysts is bringing about an informal and convergent clinical research conducted by a wide and heterogeneous range of its members. The importance and epistemological relevance of this kind of ‘informal clinical research’ for the construction of psychoanalytical knowledge is emphasised. This process in psychoanalysis is compared with the evolution of knowledge in other scientific areas, highlighting their similarities and their differences. The author shows how Freud's ‘mystic writing‐pad’model can be expanded to represent the object of psychoanalytical investigation and to bring a better understanding of the reason why the hypotheses of projective identification and countertransferential enactment occupy such a central position in psychoanalysis. In addition, consideration is given to how this kind of research can help in the difficult task of finding criteria for the evaluation of different psychoanalytical concepts. Finally, the author demonstrates how, using this approach, some of the important divergences in contemporary psychoanalysis can be viewed from a new perspective.

Therapist countertransference: in search of common themes and empirical referents.

Throughout this issue on countertransference (CT) and elsewhere, the multiple terms used to describe CT events provide rich conceptual diversity, but also result in theoretical isolation and clinical compartmentalization. Our study and understanding of CT would benefit remarkably if we could agree on empirical-therapist features that any CT conceptualization must target. Subsequent discussions of CT then could specify which of the respective empirical features are being addressed. Accordingly, I offer a descriptive framework that asserts that CT and its hypothesized subtypes (e.g., subjective and objective) can be detected empirically whenever a therapist's experiences and actions with a particular client assume one of several definable "deviations from baseline." If, in our clinical or research pursuits, we are to understand CT, we have to take the time to assess the necessary behavioral baselines for therapists and their clients.

Teaching Counselor Trainees to Identify and Manage Countertransference through a Counseling Analogue

Graduate students in a counseling techniques class wrote a paper discussing their interpersonal reactions in an interview designed as a counseling analogue. In the paper, students described their positive and negative reactions to the interviewee, possible explanations for their reactions, how these reactions might positively and negatively affect their work if this were a counseling client, and how they would manage the countertransference if this were a counseling relationship. The majority of students found the exercise effective at enhancing their understanding of countertransference.

When the going gets rough ... difficult points in treatment: Identification, exploration and working through (panel)

This paper is a summarized report of a panel presentation made by three analysts on the topic of resolving difficult points in the treatment of three of their patients through the understanding of countertransference and transference issues. The first analyst presented a case in which a stalemate was broken by addressing three different kinds of countertransference. The second presenter addressed an impasse in the treatment of her drug addicted male patient which was caused by positive transference and countertransference. The third analyst discussed the resolution of a critical point in the third year of treatment of a female patient which was uncovered by addressing the parameter of appointment scheduling. The candor and honesty of these presentations takes the reader into the heart of practice issues and illustrates how stalemates are resolved and treatment deepened. Audience reaction indicated that more such presentations which illustrate how analysts really work would be welcome.

Countertransference in group psychotherapy

This paper attempts to up-date our understanding of countertransference in the therapy group setting. After a brief review of some of the psychoanalytic and the group psychotherapy literature dealing with countertransference, the paper points out the vulnerability of the group therapist and presents examples of possible countertransferential situations, such as stereotyped roles, reactions to external aspects of patients, and therapists' insecurities. It concludes by suggesting ways in which group therapists can become more sensitive to their countertransferences.