therapy

How do therapists get you to open up? A safe emotional environment can be achieved through a calm talking voice, a slower speaking pattern, and thoughtful language. Every therapist should be attentive to the fact that each client moves at their own pace. For some, this might be fast and for others, it might take […]

Why can’t I open up to a therapist? There are a few things that might contribute to this: you may not have developed the level of trust you need to feel safe with the therapist you are working with, you may be fearful of being judged by the therapist, or maybe you are afraid that

Which of the following is an example of countertransference? Examples of Countertransference Excessive disclosure of personal matters — If the therapist “hits it off” with a client, it can be easy for the therapist to view the client as a friend. This may result in the therapist opening up and sharing personal matters that aren’t

What is positive vs negative countertransference? Positive: The therapist is over-supportive, trying too hard to befriend their client, and disclosing too much. This can damage the therapeutic relationship. Negative: The therapist acts out against uncomfortable feelings in a negative way, including being overly critical and punishing or rejecting the client. Positive transference is when enjoyable

What is an example of positive transference? An example of positive transference is when you apply enjoyable aspects of your past relationships to the relationship with your therapist. This can have a positive outcome because you see your therapist as caring, wise, and concerned about you. Positive transference is when enjoyable aspects of past relationships

What causes a negative transference? Just like the other forms of transference, the negative transference is usually an unconscious projection of negative feelings that the client transfers from early childhood relationships onto the psychotherapist (see my article: Discovering the Unconscious Emotions At the Root of Your Current Problems). With positive transference, the person receiving therapy

What triggers transference? For example, transference in therapy happens when a patient attaches anger, hostility, love, adoration, or a host of other possible feelings onto their therapist or doctor. Therapists know this can happen. In transference, someone may be described as “projecting” feelings from past relationships onto the therapist in the present. But there is

What are real life examples of transference? Transference occurs when a person redirects some of their feelings or desires for another person to an entirely different person. One example of transference is when you observe characteristics of your father in a new boss. You attribute fatherly feelings to this new boss. They can be good

What are positive examples of transference? An example of positive transference is when you apply enjoyable aspects of your past relationships to the relationship with your therapist. This can have a positive outcome because you see your therapist as caring, wise, and concerned about you. Transference is when someone redirects their feelings about one person

How do therapists deal with transference and countertransference? Therapists also may deal with countertransference by seeking out their own therapy to help them address issues creating countertransference. In addition, they may gain personal awareness in their treatment and learn areas that they need to improve on. It’s not uncommon for therapists to have feelings for