Editing Countertransference (section)

== Early 20th century ==

Countertransference ({{langx|de|Gegenübertragung}}),<ref>{{cite book |last1=Laplanche |first1=Jean |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DCpokE8C2WgC |title=The Language of Psycho-analysis |last2=Pontalis |first2=Jean-Bertrand |publisher=Karnac Books |year=1988 |isbn=978-0-946-43949-2 |edition=reprint, revised |location=London |chapter=Counter-Transference (pp. 92-93) |author-link1=Jean Laplanche |author-link2=Jean-Bertrand Pontalis |orig-date=1973 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DCpokE8C2WgC&dq=%22Counter-Transference+&pg=PA92}}</ref> originally described by [[Sigmund Freud]] in 1910, refers to a therapist's unconscious feelings influenced by their patient. Freud recognized this as an ongoing challenge for therapists, stating the need for therapists to be aware and in control of these feelings.<ref>W. McGuire ed., ''The Freud/Jung Letters''  (1974) p. 231</ref> While Freud mainly saw countertransference as a personal issue for the therapist, his private correspondence indicates a deeper interest and understanding of its complexities.<ref>Neil R. Carlson & C.Donald Heth page 595</ref><ref>Laplanche, J & Pontalis, J-B. (1973) ''The Language of Psycho-Analysis'' p. 92</ref> This concept broadened to include unconscious reactions, by the [[unconscious mind]], shaped by the therapist's own history, which could impede [[Objectivity (philosophy)|objectivity]] and limit therapeutic effectiveness. For example, a therapist might unconsciously want a patient to succeed due to personal connections, leading to a biased approach in therapy.<ref>Freud, quoted in Peter Gay, ''Freud: A life for our time''(London 1989) p. 302 and p. 254</ref><ref>J. Holmes (2014) 'Countertransference before Heimann: An historical exploration', Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association</ref><ref>Annie Reich, quoted in Patrick Casement, ''Further learning from the patient'' (London 1997), p. 177n</ref><ref>C. G. Jung, ''Analytical Psychology: its Theory and Practice''(London 1976) p. 159 and p. 157</ref>

The psychoanalytic community widely acknowledged the risks associated with countertransference. [[Carl Jung]], [[Eric Berne]], and [[Jacques Lacan]], among others, highlighted its potential to complicate the [[therapeutic relationship]].<ref>Eric Berne, ''What Do You Say after You Say Hello?'' (London 1975), p. 352</ref><ref>Jacques Lacan, ''Ecrits: A Selection''(London 1997) p. 229-230</ref> This understanding encompassed not only the therapist's unconscious responses rooted in their personal history but also their unconscious hostile or erotic feelings towards a patient.<ref name=":0">Patrick Casement, ''On Learning from the Patient'' (London 1990), p. 174</ref>

=== Examples ===
For example, a therapist might [[Subconscious|subconsciously]] project their parental role onto a patient, especially if the patient is reminiscent of their own children. For instance, a therapist whose children are in university might overly empathize with a patient's academic struggles. This bias, even when well-intentioned, can lead to what's termed a "countertransference cure." This occurs when therapy outcomes are driven more by the therapist's needs than the patient's, resulting in the patient conforming to the therapist's expectations. This compliance can suppress the patients authentic feelings and needs, creating a '[[false self]]' or a facade of improvement rather than genuine progress.<ref name=":0" />

In another example, the therapist might transfer unresolved personal issues onto the patient. For example, a therapist who lacked attention from their father might perceive a patient's independent behavior as a form of rejection, an example of [[transference]]. This can lead to feelings of resentment towards the patient, a phenomenon known as the 'narrow perspective' of countertransference. In this scenario, the therapist's unresolved feelings cloud their professional judgment, potentially hindering the therapeutic process.<ref>{{cite book | last = Gabbard | first = Glen O. | title = Countertransference Issues in Psychiatric Treatment | url = https://archive.org/details/countertransfere01gabb | url-access = limited | publisher = American Psychiatric Press | year = 1999 | page = [https://archive.org/details/countertransfere01gabb/page/n18 1]| isbn = 9780880489591 }}</ref>