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Anniversary reactions in therapists
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|December 1, 1982
Summary
Psychotherapists may experience anniversary reactions when treating patients, influenced by therapeutic phases. Awareness and supervision can help manage these reactions, potentially enhancing empathy and resolving personal issues.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychotherapy Research
Background:
- Psychotherapy is often conceptualized in terms of time and developmental phases.
- These temporal aspects can create conditions conducive to anniversary phenomena.
Observation:
- The authors present three case studies illustrating anniversary reactions in psychotherapists.
- These reactions emerged during the course of patient treatment.
Findings:
- Therapeutic phases and periodicities can trigger anniversary reactions in psychotherapists.
- Therapists' personal losses, defenses, and dreams may be relevant to these reactions.
Implications:
- Psychotherapists should be vigilant for anniversary reactions.
- Ongoing supervision and self-monitoring of personal issues are recommended.
- Identifying these reactions can foster greater patient empathy and aid in resolving therapists' unresolved personal and therapeutic issues.
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