Countertransference Phenomena and Personality Pathology in Clinical Practice: An Empirical Investigation

Abstract

Countertransference phenomena can be measured in clinically sophisticated and psychometrically sound ways that tap the complexity of clinicians' reactions toward their patients. Countertransference patterns are systematically related to patients' personality pathology across therapeutic approaches, suggesting that clinicians, regardless of therapeutic orientation, can make diagnostic and therapeutic use of their own responses to the patient.

Countertransference in the initial visit of women victims of sexual violence

“…The inverse relationship between these two variables is consistent with studies that relate the care of patients with specific personality disorders to characteristic countertransference feelings. [8][9][10][11]33 There were no significant associations in the sample stratified of patients seen by male therapists, probably due to the small sample size.…”

“…The study by Betan et al showed significant correlation between specific countertransference patterns and personality disorders. 11 This suggests that countertransference responses may arise in a coherent and predictable manner, which strengthens its use for diagnostic unraveling and treatment of patients. The results of these studies support the possibility and the importance of identifying countertransference patterns triggered by patients with different psychiatric diagnoses, or by those sharing previous traumatic experiences, such as a history of sexual violence.…”

“…8,9 Studies by Rossberg et al and Betan et al depict recent research addressing the relationship between countertransference patterns and personality disorders. 10,11 The first study 10 has shown that there are differences in therapists' countertransference reactions towards patients with different personality disorders, as well as the relationship between countertransference feelings and the direction of treatments. The study by Betan et al showed significant correlation between specific countertransference patterns and personality disorders.…”

“…The results of these studies support the possibility and the importance of identifying countertransference patterns triggered by patients with different psychiatric diagnoses, or by those sharing previous traumatic experiences, such as a history of sexual violence. 11 The relevance of studying countertransference feelings triggered by victims of sexual violence is justified because of their high intensity and because of the likelihood of such emotional reactions becoming barriers for a successful treatment, when they are not understood by the therapist. 12 It is known that therapeutic impasses and failures are fairly common in treating victims of psychological trauma.…”

“…Identification of such models as common pattern in the treatment of abuse survivors could be very useful in teaching clinicians about potential countertransference risks when working with these patients in a way that is both clinically sensitive and empirically grounded. 11 The occurrence of sexual abuse or violence during childhood may be associated with the development of specific psychopathology, especially mood and personality disorders, which might also be related to specific countertransference responses. 8,9,[15][16][17] One of the possible mediators in the appearance of such disorders is the use of more immature defense mechanisms by the victims, a phenomenon commonly associated with this trauma.…”