Countertransference and the Therapist's Inner Experience

by Charles J. Gelso, Jeffrey Hayes

Countertransference and the Therapist’s Inner Experience explores the inner world of the psychotherapist and its influences on the relationship between psychotherapist and patient. This relationship is a major element determining the success of psychotherapy, in addition to determining how and to what extent psychotherapy works with each individual patient. Authors Charles J. Gelso and Jeffrey A. Hayes present the history and current status of countertransference, offer a theoretically integrative conception, and focus on how psychotherapists can manage countertransference in a way that benefits the therapeutic process. The book contains completely up-to-date data from existing research findings, and illuminates the universality of countertransference across all psychotherapies and psychotherapists. Contents *the operation of countertransference across three predominant theory clusters in psychotherapy; *leading factors involved in the management of countertransference; and *valuable recommendations for psychotherapy practitioners and researchers. Professionals in clinical and counseling psychology, psychiatry, social work, and counseling will benefit from this volume. The book is also appropriate for graduate students in these fields.

Genres: Psychology

184 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2007

About the author

Charles J. Gelso is professor emeritus and senior lecturer in psychology at University of Maryland. He has written widely about the therapeutic relationship over the years, theorizing about and studying key elements of the relationship. Dr. Gelso has been editor of major journals in psychotherapy and has received many top awards in the field.

Reviews

[Antoine Bazinet-Boulanger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprendre ses biais de pensée et l'importance qu'ils ont pendant un dialogue de thérapie...

[culley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dry, repetitive, thorough, and thought provoking! In many ways I find this to be a commonsensical approach to client-therapist intrapsychic amplification and feedback. It can be harmful when the client triggers unresolved issues in the therapist. Duh? At the same time, the therapists personal experience can serve as a source of connection and understanding. Basically countertransference can be beneficial when the therapist has done their inner work, and is likely harmful if the therapist has not done their work.