Dissecting Transference and Countertransference Essay

Transference and counter transfer of training argon feelings towards an individual which are brought nigh by past experiences and alliances. These feelings occur unconsciously and can be prescribed or negative in nature. Transference is often carried by the patient into the clinician-patient kin as brought about by their history with past computes of billet in their lives. (Pearson, 2001) For example, a patient may perceive the clinician to be resembling to his or her m early(a) and as much(prenominal) views them as a nurturing mannikin whom he or she then strives hard to please.Countertransference, in the medical setting, is brought by the clinician and is usually seen in his or her negative feelings towards the patient again as a result of previous experiences he or she had early on in life. (Pearson, 2001) The effects of those previous experiences are triggered by the clincians hazard with the patient. For example, a clinician might be more caring and compassionate tow ards a patient that reminds him or her of his or her grandparents thus invoking similar filial emotions for the patient.The concepts of transference and countertransference were first described by Sigmund Freud as emotions patients and doctors projected on apiece other, which had come from past experiences. The two terms are used much in psychoanalytical literature and occur in many instances of psychoanalytic treatment. The role projection plays on both transference and countertransference was emphasized not only by Freud but also by many other members of the medical community.Projection takes place more often in clinician-patient relationships than in other settings. The definition of projection as a means of alteration and communication, a form of defense mechanism by the individual, provides insight to its oftenness in medical settings. (Waska, 1999) The patient face with his or her illness and the clinician faced with the task of aiding the patient may revert to projectio n in ordering to cope with their different tasks. Therefore, transference and countertransference occur as an aftermath of the kinetics of the said projection as well as of the initial relationship between the patient and the clinician. (Waska, 1999)In physical therapy, patient therapist relationships are important factors in the rehabilitation process. Therapists need to be effective communicators and dilate rapports with patients that facilitate trust, compliance, and comfort. A patient who projects unconsciously past experiences into their new and fork out reality can force a barrier in the relationship and hinder their progress.Transference and countertransference brought about by these projections are the most ingest causes for the communication barriers barriers that can lead to detrimental and even fatal results in the patients treatment. These work through mechanisms produced through positive feelings, such as a patient who sees the therapist as a nurturer figure and tries to please the therapist and therefore does not disclose functional deficits, which are not improving, and report only positive. Negative feelings can also create a barrier in that the patient becomes hostile or immune toward the therapists suggestions and plans. (Pearson, 2001)The maladaptive effects of transference and countertransference may be lessened by a conscious effort on the realm of the clinician as well as of the patient. Both must strive to determine the dynamics of their relationship. The clinician must be able to provide insights into his or her true up character and thus help the patient resolve distortions brought about by transference. The clinician must also actively acknowledge the underlying needs constitute by the patients transference as well as actively respond to his or her own projection and countertransference. (Pearson, 2001 Waska, 1999) Studies continue to look the possibilities of using the mechanisms of transference and countertransference t o make medical relationships more effective in aiding treatment.ReferencesPearson, L. (2001). The clinician-patient experience judgement transference and countertransference. Nurse Practitioner, Retrieved 06 February 2008 from http//findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3958/is_200106/ai_n8996743Waska, R. T. (1999). Projective identification, countertransference, and the struggle for understanding over acting out. Journal of Psychotherapy Practice and Research, 8, 155-161