Countertransference to families where child abuse has occurred

Abstract

In this paper five countertransference reactions, which may be experienced by workers on child abuse management teams, are described. Karpman's Drama Triangle is used as a framework within which to define these reactions. The reactions are: (i) rescuing the child; (2) rescuing the parents; (3) rescuing the mother and child while persecuting the father; (4) rescuing the father; and (5) persecuting the family. Copyright © 1989, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved