Countertransference refers to the therapist's emotional reactions and responses to the client that are based on the therapist's own unresolved issues, past experiences, or personal biases. Negative countertransference occurs when the therapist experiences strong negative emotions towards the client that may interfere with the therapeutic process. These emotions can include anger, frustration, irritation, dislike, or even hatred towards the client.
Signs of negative countertransference showing up in therapy:
Overreacting emotionally: The therapist may find themselves reacting more strongly than usual to the client's words or actions, becoming emotionally overwhelmed, or feeling excessively triggered.
Avoidance or resistance: The therapist might unconsciously avoid certain topics or resist discussing specific issues with the client, which can hinder progress in therapy.
Being overly critical or judgmental: Negative countertransference can lead the therapist to be overly critical, judgmental, or harsh towards the client, affecting the therapeutic alliance.
Becoming disengaged: The therapist might withdraw emotionally, become distant, or lose interest in the client's progress.
Projecting personal issues onto the client: The therapist may project their own unresolved problems onto the client, potentially misinterpreting the client's intentions or emotions.
Main causes of negative countertransference:
Personal history and unresolved issues: The therapist's own past experiences and unresolved emotional conflicts can influence their reactions to the client.
Personal biases and prejudices: Pre-existing beliefs, values, or biases held by the therapist can impact how they perceive and respond to the client.
Similarity to significant others: If the client reminds the therapist of someone from their past, particularly someone with whom the therapist had negative experiences, it can trigger negative countertransference.
Challenging client traits or behaviors: Certain client behaviors or traits, such as aggression, manipulation, or excessive dependency, can evoke strong reactions from the therapist.
Stress and burnout: Therapists who are experiencing high levels of stress or burnout may be more susceptible to negative countertransference.
What to do when a therapist doesn't realize negative countertransference:
It's essential for therapists to regularly engage in self-reflection and supervision to identify and manage any potential negative countertransference. However, if a therapist is unaware of their countertransference or unwilling to address it, it can be concerning for the therapeutic process. Here are some steps to consider:
Raise the issue: If you, as the client, sense that your therapist might be experiencing negative countertransference, consider bringing it up in a session. Share your observations and feelings in a non-confrontational manner.
Seek clarification: Ask open-ended questions to encourage the therapist to explore their reactions and feelings towards you as the client.
Discuss feelings in the therapeutic relationship: Encourage open communication about the therapeutic relationship and explore any difficulties or challenges both of you might be experiencing.
Consider consultation: If the therapist is open to it, they can seek consultation or supervision from a more experienced colleague to gain insight into their countertransference and how to manage it.
Reevaluate the therapeutic relationship: If the negative countertransference significantly impacts the therapeutic alliance or your progress in therapy, you may need to consider finding a new therapist.
Remember that therapists are human too, and they may have their struggles and blind spots. The key is their willingness to acknowledge and address their countertransference in a professional and ethical manner. If you find yourself in a situation where your therapist is unable or unwilling to address these issues, it's essential to prioritize your well-being and explore other options for therapy.