The Power of Countertransference: Innovations in Analytic Technique

by Karen J. Maroda

A signpost of the relational turn in contemporary psychoanalysis, Karen Maroda's The Power of Countertransference, published in 1991, is perhaps the first systematic effort to integrate the need for mutual emotional exchanges, which may include the analyst's own self-disclosures, into an interactive model of psychoanalytic practice. Maroda's call for emotional honesty and affective self-disclosure had an immediate impact on the field and led Harold Searles to comment, "If we follow the example set by Maroda, we shall be minimally likely to 'act in' our emotions in our sessions with our patients. They will benefit greatly as a result; we practitioners shall benefit; and the profession of psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic therapy will become healthier and stronger than it is at present." This revised edition includes a new Foreword by Lewis Aron and an Afterword in which Maroda clarifies her own position and comments on the evolution of psychoanalytic technique since the publication of The Power of Countertransference .

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Psychoanalysis, School

212 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 1991

Reviews

[anarcho · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contains in-depth discussions on disclosure of not only countertransference, but also affect vs. content, personal opinions and values, and feelings about clients, illustrated by a few well-chosen case studies. Maroda also takes a frank look at "taboo" feelings such as hatred and envy of clients, and how they can be used and subsequently neutralised or integrated into the therapeutic relationship.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though perhaps drawn out longer than necessary at some parts, Maroda dives into what has previously been considered quite controversial in the therapeutic relationship, which is disclosing the clinician’s own feelings about their patient or the dynamics between them. She lays out a framework of techniques to ethically do so in a variety of emotional contexts using examples from both research and her own clinical experience. She recounts what she feels were her own failures with certain past clients for trying to follow the analytic teachings too closely and avoiding disclosure of any countertransference occurring, and reading through this has solidified my thoughts on the benefits of disclosing countertransference in appropriate times to strengthen the interpersonal relationship built between therapist and patient.

[Aya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is clear and easy to read, and has some interesting points. If you are interested in a summary of unorthodox, 'modern' clinical setting examples of countertransference, this is a good place to start. The book gets a bit repetitive at times, and could be even shorter than it already is.

It's definitely aimed at clinical practitioners, but it's still fun to read for hobbyists like myself. It's more of a contemporary clinical summary than a theory heavy account, and does not give for example an in depth historical overview of the arguments around (and against) countertransference that lead up to the state of psychoanalytic debates of 90s.

[Amy Norman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily the most insightful and in depth exploration of countertransference I have ever read. Beyond valuable.

[Robert]

This is one of the best books out there for therapists trained in relational models. It is highly progressive and considered a bit unorthodox, but honestly one of the most interesting and engaging examinations of the counseling experience. I read it in my graduate studies and now re-reading to better apply it with my clients.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks, Shelley!