Countertransference is a term used in therapy to describe the therapist’s feelings, thoughts, and actions that are not based on the patient’s needs or feelings. Countertransference can be a good thing, as it can help the therapist to be more understanding and empathic. However, countertransference can lead to therapist bias and distortion of the patient’s feelings.

There are many types of countertransference, and each can impact the therapy session differently. However, some of the most common types of countertransference include projection, identification, and vicarious traumatization.

Projection is when the therapist assumes the characteristics of the person or thing the therapist is trying to understand. For example, if the therapist is trying to understand the patient’s Anger, the therapist might project their Anger onto the patient.

Identification is when the therapist becomes emotionally attached to the patient based on their similarities or differences. For example, if the therapist struggles to understand the patient’s Anger, the therapist might become emotionally attached to the idea of Anger and become hostile toward the patient.

Vicarious traumatization is when the therapist unconsciously passes on the emotional trauma they have experienced to the patient. For example, if the therapist has experienced abuse and is struggling to understand the patient’s Anger, the therapist might unconsciously pass on the emotional trauma of abuse to the patient.

Regardless of the type of countertransference, it is important that the therapist is aware of their feelings and manages them in a way that respects the patient. If the therapist can stay aware of their feelings and healthily manage them, they are more likely to be able to help the patient heal from their trauma.