Imagined conversations and negative countertransference.

Abstract

Between sessions, therapists often engage in imagined conversations with clients. This constructivist grounded theory research documents the experiences of 12 therapists regarding imagined conversations with clients between sessions. The responses suggest that contrary to some of the analytic speculation on the meaning of imagination, the neuroscientific literature better reflects the experiences of the participants. The respondents indicated that imagined conversations are a means of surfacing unconscious negative countertransference and managing anxiety in order to be able to pursue difficult material with their clients.

Utilizing mindfulness strategies to manage negative countertransference and feelings of dislike while working with children exhibiting externalized behaviors.

“…Clients may directly experience, and are often aware of, countertransference manifestations or other observable behaviors counselors exhibit, such as confrontation, unresponsiveness, criticism, and sarcasm (Marshall et al, 2003). Unchecked countertransference can lead to countertherapeutic behavior (Arnd-Caddigan, 2013; Fauth & Hayes, 2006; Strupp, 1980) and can distort the counselor’s opinion of the client or even distort the client’s personality (McClure & Hodge, 1987; Rosenbaum, Bain, Esterhuizen, & Frost, 2012). For example, a counselor may become triggered by his or her child client’s behaviors in session and engage in fewer empathic responses, avoidance, and/or inaccurate beliefs or perceptions of the child client’s personality or ability to change.…”

Therapists’ discovery: A systematic review of therapists’ intersession experiences.

“…This synthesis incorporated the findings of 12 articles; four quantitative (Geller et al, 2002; Hartmann et al, 2015; Schröder et al, 2009; Zeeck et al, 2012); six qualitative (Arnd-Caddigan, 2012, 2013; Bimont & Werbart, 2018; Knox et al, 2018; Kron & Avny, 2003; Spangler et al, 2009); and two mixed-method articles (Hill et al, 2014; Stewart, 2016). ISE were not the main focus for two quantitative articles (Hartmann et al, 2015; Zeeck et al, 2012) but were included with data related to ISE extracted for the purpose of this study.…”

“…Articles included a wide variety of theoretical orientations. Qualitative articles used different methods of data collection, with some using written accounts of participant’s experience (Arnd-Caddigan, 2012, 2013; Kron & Avny, 2003), and the remaining five articles using semistructured interviews. Methods of data analysis across the qualitative articles varied.…”

“…Quality appraisal of the qualitative articles highlighted that three studies (Hill et al, 2014; Knox et al, 2018; Kron & Avny, 2003) did not provide substantial data to support their interpretations. Furthermore, the same data appears to have also been used across two publications (Arnd-Caddigan, 2012, 2013). Considering the transparency of the authors, two articles (Hill et al, 2014; Kron & Avny, 2003) did not report their epistemological position or a process of reflexivity, limiting the trustworthiness of the findings from these articles (Willig, 2013).…”

“…Although referred to differently, a comparable theme emerged regarding ISE as a process of therapists’ discovery about the therapy, client, or themselves. For example, ISE helping therapists to “surface feelings that were previously outside of their awareness” (Arnd-Caddigan, 2013, p. 152), how ISE “fostered insight” (Knox et al, 2018, p. 363), “increased awareness” (Hill et al, 2014, p. 531), and how ISE developed a “sense of too permeable, blurred self-boundaries” (Bimont & Werbart, 2018, p. 252).…”