Unwitting exposure of the therapist: transferential and countertransferential dilemmas

The unwitting exposure of the therapist's private life creates an unexpected rupture in the frame and puts both the therapist and the patient off balance. The exposure introduces into the therapy a moment of human sharing of vulnerability that has the potential to enrich the treatment. Clinical...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The journal of psychotherapy practice and research 2001, Vol.10 (1), p.14-22
Main Author: Ulman, K H
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Countertransference (Psychology)
Female
Humans
Mental Disorders - therapy
Pregnancy
Professional-Patient Relations
Psychoanalytic Therapy
Regular
Transference (Psychology)
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:The unwitting exposure of the therapist's private life creates an unexpected rupture in the frame and puts both the therapist and the patient off balance. The exposure introduces into the therapy a moment of human sharing of vulnerability that has the potential to enrich the treatment. Clinical vignettes are presented to help therapists anticipate possible exposures and their consequences. The discussion encourages therapists to predict their reactions, obtain needed professional support, and make the most of opportunities for full exploration of patients' material.
ISSN:1055-050X
2160-0058