countertransference

English

Alternative forms

• counter-transference

Etymology

From counter- +‎ transference, a calque of German Gegenübertragung.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /kaʊntətɹansˈfəːɹəns/

Noun

countertransference (countable and uncountable, plural countertransferences)

1. (psychotherapy) The transference of a therapist's own unconscious feelings to their patient; unconscious or instinctive emotion felt towards the patient.
   • 2005, Meg Wolitzer, The Position, Vintage, published 2012, page 94:

     ‘She had a very unusual, difficult childhood. I guess, what with her history and all, she brings out these fatherly feelings of countertransference in me.’

   • 2007, Brett Kahr, Sex and the Psyche, Penguin, published 2008, page 295:

     In my meeting with Dahlia, I found myself having a private countertransference thought which I certainly did not articulate to her.

Derived terms

• countertransferent
• countertransferential