Therapist Perspectives on Countertransference: Qualitative Data in Search of a Theory

Jeffrey A. Hayes, Janet E. McCracken, Mary K. McClanahan, Clara E. Hill, Jennifer S. Harp, Paul Carozzoni

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

94 Scopus citations

Abstract

A consensual qualitative research strategy was used to examine data from 127 interviews conducted with 8 psychologists immediately following their sessions of brief therapy with 8 clients. Analyses revealed 3 domains relevant to countertransference: origins (including categories of family issues, needs and values, therapy specific issues, and cultural issues), triggers (including categories of content of client material, therapist comparing client with others, change in therapy structure or procedures, therapist assessing progress of therapy, therapist perception of client, and emotions), and manifestations (including categories of approach, avoidance, negative feelings, and treatment planning). The frequency of categories within and across cases was classified, and relationships among categories from the 3 domains were detected, generating hypotheses for future empirical research. Implications for practice, training, and continued research are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)468-482
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of Counseling Psychology
Volume45
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1998

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Social Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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