countertransference

noun

coun·​ter·​trans·​fer·​ence ˌkau̇n-tər-(ˌ)tran(t)s-ˈfər-ən(t)s How to pronounce countertransference (audio)
-ˈtran(t)s-(ˌ)fər-
1
: psychological transference especially by a psychotherapist during the course of treatment
especially : the psychotherapist's reactions to the patient's transference
2
: the complex of feelings of a psychotherapist toward the patient

Examples of countertransference in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The first half of the lecture outlines the history of antisemitism; the second half is about countertransference, a common psychological phenomenon that occurs when a physician allows his or her feelings to influence a patient’s treatment. Sheldon Rubenfeld, National Review, 13 Jan. 2024 These doctors were either never taught, or are indifferent to, the dangers of countertransference. Sheldon Rubenfeld, National Review, 13 Jan. 2024 One theory is that compassion fatigue results from countertransference, an unconscious process in which a person becomes connected to another's stresses or traumas. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 3 Oct. 2023 Rowland Smith's argument is that psychoanalysis offers a genuine therapeutic relationship complete with transference and countertransference, while CBT doesn't. Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 17 Jan. 2011 Big personal feelings surfacing as a result of work with patients is called countertransference. Erin Qualey, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'countertransference.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of countertransference was in 1920

Dictionary Entries Near countertransference

Cite this Entry

“Countertransference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/countertransference. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

countertransference

noun
coun·​ter·​trans·​fer·​ence ˌkau̇nt-ər-tran(t)s-ˈfər-ən(t)s, -ˈtran(t)s-(ˌ) How to pronounce countertransference (audio)
1
: psychological transference especially by a psychotherapist during the course of treatment
especially : the psychotherapist's reactions to the patient's transference
2
: the complex of feelings of a psychotherapist toward the patient
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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