The evolution of countertransference and its applicability to nursing

While psychiatric nurses frequently use the term countertransference, the lack of a uniform definition may result in misunderstandings. In addition, some have questioned the applicability of countertransference to nursing. The author proposes that historical developments have led to a gradual expansion in the definition of this concept. However, some psychiatric nurses have also described countertransference incidents that are more intense and enduring than the transitory experiences described by the expanded views. The result has been conceptual confusion that limits nursing's ability to benefit from an increasingly valuable therapeutic tool. Modifications may therefore be required to make this concept applicable to certain nursing settings.