Countertransference struggles of mental health psychotherapists

Abstract

This study explored the struggles of countertransference (i.e., psychotherapist’s feelings and reactions) through interviews with 20 mental health therapists. Thematic analysis resulted in four themes: (1) personal vulnerability activated in the therapeutic relationship, (2) difficult-to-endure or obstructive feelings (e.g., aversion or burdening discomfort), (3) secondary distressing reactions elicited by the aforementioned, and (4) frustration related to issues in the organizational setting outside the therapeutic dyad. These themes were interconnected by underlying challenges related to feelings of uncertainty and inadequacy. Aspects of the wider context of therapy (outside the therapeutic dyad) seemed significant in relation to the mental health therapist’s countertransference.