Countertransference

This paper examines countertransference as it is conceptualized and explained in the intersubjective paradigm of psychoanalytic therapy developed by Stolorow, Brandchaft and Atwood (1987). Further, the paper examines several studies which indicate that the intersubjective process as it relates to the production of countertransference may be elicited by group therapy context factors. The findings of these studies are then discussed in terms of their implications for the intersubjective view of psychoanalytic group therapy. The paper begins with an explication of the intersubjective paradigm.

According to Stolorow, Brandchaft and Atwood (1987), the term "countertransference," refers to a therapist/counselor's personal emotional response to a patient based on the therapist's life experiences. In this regard, Peterson and Nisenholz (1987) have stated that, more specifically, the term applies to:

...those situations in which the client's behavior invokes in the counselor [therapist] conflicts relating to unresolved situations in the counselor's life, causing the counselor to respond to the client in an unobjective way. (p.45)

Stolorow, Brandchaft and Atwood (1987) have stated that the effective therapist is one who can separate himself/herself from personal reactions to the patient and view what is going on in therapy in an impersonal way as merely a point of departure for better understanding the patient's psychic reality. A key question here is how the therapist can m

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er preparation of the group for the new member. Rosenthal asserts that therapists should review the possibility of countertransference being a motive any time they plan for the introduction of a new member into an established group. Another area in which unresolved countertransference can appear in any type of group is that of money. In this regard, Gans (1992) has stated that there is a need for therapists to overcome the taboo against talking about money in group therapy because often he/she will experience worry and concern over what is perceived as negative patient reactions to billing and feel policies which, if not corrected, can produce a good deal of countertransference behavior. Moreover, members' strong feelings toward the leader concerning financial transactions often find expression in angry accusation which, in turn, can lead to countertransference. Gans (1992) recommends several ways for dealing with these issues. These include normalizing money and financial issues as an acceptable topic for group discussion. Among those issues which Gans recommends that therapists address in group sessions are the lowering or not raising fees, rescheduling, and leaves of absence. Another countertransference issue that ca

Category: Psychology - C