Psychology Unplugged Transference and Countertransference
Feb 15, 2026
Conversations explore how old attachment patterns and memories can be projected onto a therapist. They examine therapists' emotional reactions and why supervision and personal work are crucial. Practical signs like lateness, over-apologizing, regression, and anger are highlighted as prompts to explore in therapy. Cultural fit, boundaries, and risks of undertrained clinicians are also discussed.
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Therapy Repeats Old Attachment Patterns
- Transference is a memory-driven reaction where the therapist can represent earlier authority figures.
- Attachment patterns and state-dependent learning shape how clients respond in therapy.
Use Supervision To Manage Countertransference
- Therapists should use supervision and mentorship to process countertransference.
- Addressing therapists' reactions prevents those reactions from hindering the therapeutic relationship.
Learning 'Self As Instrument' In Training
- Julie discovered 'self as instrument' in her master's program and learned therapists must do their own work.
- She describes the transference-countertransference dynamic as a subliminal, dance-like interaction.