Editing Countertransference (section)

== Late 20th-century ==
By the late 20th century, the distinction between 'personal countertransference' (related to the therapist's issues) and 'diagnostic response' (indicating something about the patient) became prominent. This era acknowledged the clinical usefulness of countertransference, underscoring the need to differentiate between reactions that provide insights into the patient's psychology and those reflecting the therapist's personal issues.

=== Distinction between personal and diagnostic countertransference ===
A key development was the distinction between 'personal countertransference' and 'diagnostic countertransference.' Personal countertransference involves the therapist's own emotional responses and unresolved issues. In contrast, diagnostic countertransference refers to the therapist's reactions that provide insights into the patient's psychological state. This distinction highlights the dual nature of countertransference: it can stem from the therapist's personal experiences or be a response to the patient's behavior and psychological needs.<ref>Casement, ''Further learning'' p. 8 and p. 165</ref>

The concept of 'neurotic countertransference' (or 'illusory countertransference') was also distinguished from 'countertransference proper.' Neurotic countertransference is more about the therapist's unresolved personal issues, while countertransference proper is a more balanced and clinically useful response. This differentiation has been widely accepted across various psychoanalytic schools, though some, like followers of Jacques Lacan, view countertransference as a form of resistance, potentially the most significant resistance posed by the analyst.<ref>"Aaron Green", quoted in Janet Malcolm, ''Psychoanalysis: the impossible profession''(London 1988), p. 115</ref><ref>Mario Jacoby, ''The Analytic Encounter'' (Canada 1984) p. 38</ref><ref>Jean-Michel Quinodoz, ''Reading Freud'' (London 2005) p. 72</ref>

=== Contemporary understanding of countertransference ===
In contemporary practice, countertransference is generally seen as a phenomenon co-created by both the therapist and the patient. This view acknowledges that the patient, through [[transference]], influences the therapist to assume roles that align with the patient's internal world. However, the therapist's personal history and personality traits also color these roles. Thus, countertransference becomes a complex interplay of both participants' psychologies.

Therapists are encouraged to use countertransference as a therapeutic tool. By reflecting on their responses and differentiating between their personal feelings and those elicited by the patient's behavior, therapists can gain valuable insights into the therapeutic dynamic. This self-awareness helps in understanding the roles being played in therapy, and the meanings behind these interpersonal interactions.

However, with this understanding comes a caution: therapists must remain vigilant about the dangers of unresolved countertransference, which can disrupt the therapeutic relationship. In modern psychotherapy, transference and countertransference are often seen as inextricably linked, creating a 'total situation' that defines the therapeutic encounter.

This evolved understanding underscores the importance of self-awareness and continuous self-reflection in therapeutic practice, ensuring that countertransference is managed effectively for the benefit of 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/n20 3]| isbn = 9780880489591 }}</ref><ref>Quinodoz, ''Reading Freud'' p. 71</ref><ref>Casement, ''Learning''</ref>