countertransference

noun

coun·​ter·​trans·​fer·​ence ˌkau̇n-tər-(ˌ)tran(t)s-ˈfər-ən(t)s 

-ˈtran(t)s-(ˌ)fər-

1

: psychological transference especially by a psychotherapist during the course of treatment

especially : the psychotherapist's reactions to the patient's transference

2

: the complex of feelings of a psychotherapist toward the patient

Examples of countertransference in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The first half of the lecture outlines the history of antisemitism; the second half is about countertransference, a common psychological phenomenon that occurs when a physician allows his or her feelings to influence a patient’s treatment. —Sheldon Rubenfeld, National Review, 13 Jan. 2024

These doctors were either never taught, or are indifferent to, the dangers of countertransference. —Sheldon Rubenfeld, National Review, 13 Jan. 2024

One theory is that compassion fatigue results from countertransference, an unconscious process in which a person becomes connected to another's stresses or traumas. —Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 3 Oct. 2023

Rowland Smith's argument is that psychoanalysis offers a genuine therapeutic relationship complete with transference and countertransference, while CBT doesn't. —Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 17 Jan. 2011

Big personal feelings surfacing as a result of work with patients is called countertransference. —Erin Qualey, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

countertransference

noun

coun·​ter·​trans·​fer·​ence ˌkau̇nt-ər-tran(t)s-ˈfər-ən(t)s, -ˈtran(t)s-(ˌ) 

1

: psychological transference especially by a psychotherapist during the course of treatment

especially : the psychotherapist's reactions to the patient's transference

2

: the complex of feelings of a psychotherapist toward the patient