countertransference
noun
coun·ter·trans·fer·ence
ˌkau̇n-tər-(ˌ)tran(t)s-ˈfər-ən(t)s 
-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
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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
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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
Dictionary Entries Near countertransference
Cite this Entry
“Countertransference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/countertransference. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
countertransference
noun
coun·ter·trans·fer·ence
ˌkau̇nt-ər-tran(t)s-ˈfər-ən(t)s, -ˈtran(t)s-(ˌ)
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
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