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Variations in countertransference reactions in psychotherapy with children
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital, Denver, CO 80218.
American Journal of Psychotherapy
|January 1, 1994
Summary
This study broadens the concept of countertransference in child and adolescent psychotherapy. It details how therapist reactions to children and parents can impact treatment, emphasizing the need for careful management.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychotherapy
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Background:
- Countertransference is a critical factor in psychotherapy.
- Traditional views may not fully encompass complex family dynamics in child and adolescent treatment.
Observation:
- Therapist reactions can manifest in three ways: directly with the child, displaced onto parents, or stimulated by parents but acted upon with the child.
- These reactions can unconsciously alter child treatment or parental guidance.
Findings:
- A broadened model of countertransference is presented, accounting for therapist reactions involving the child, parents, or both.
- The model highlights how these reactions can subtly influence therapeutic interventions.
Implications:
- Regular therapist self-examination and family system awareness are crucial for managing countertransference.
- Consistent engagement with parents is recommended to mitigate distortions and foster appropriate therapeutic alliances.