Editing Countertransference (section)

=== 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>