Countertransference, which occurs when a therapist transfers emotions to a person in therapy, is often a reaction to transference, a phenomenon in which the person in treatment redirects feelings for others onto the therapist.
What is transference and countertransference examples?
Transference is subconsciously associating a person in the present with a past relationship. For example, you meet a new client who reminds you of a former lover. Countertransference is responding to them with all the thoughts and feelings attached to that past relationship.
What are examples of countertransference?
Examples of countertransference
- inappropriately disclosing personal information.
- offering advice.
- not having boundaries.
- developing strong romantic feelings toward you.
- being overly critical of you.
- being overly supportive of you.
- allowing personal feelings or experiences to get in the way of your therapy.
