Le contre-transfert dans le traitement des troubles alimentaires: Recension systématique des écrits

Abstract

Objective: To identify counter-transference occurrences and causes in therapists treating patients with eating disorders, and to present suggested solutions to overcome counter-transference's negative aspects and to enhance treatment quality. Method: Using the major health science and psychology databases, we have identified studies dealing with counter-transference in eating disorder treatment. Results: Many counter-transference occurrences are identified. It seems that therapists often feel negative affects while treating patients with eating disorders. Counter-transference seems to be affected by factors related to both the disorder and to the patient and therapist. Further, negative counter-transference can lead to consequences interfering with proper conduct of treatment. The main solutions identified to deal with counter-transference are supervision, consulting with colleagues, and teamwork. Conclusions: Many factors involved in counter-transference seem hardly modifiable; hence it is important to implement efficient solutions allowing overcoming its negative aspects. Moreover, few empirical studies have focused on counter-transference in eating disorder treatment. That research field is highly pertinent but very rarely exploited, and it deserves the scientific community's attention.