Contratransferência

Contratransferência refers to the totality of the therapist's emotional reactions and responses to the patient, both conscious and unconscious. It is a concept that originated in psychoanalytic theory, building upon Sigmund Freud's initial understanding of transference, which describes the patient's unconscious redirection of feelings and desires, typically from childhood, onto the therapist.

The therapist's contratransferential responses can be influenced by their own past experiences, personal biases, current life situation, and the specific dynamics of the therapeutic relationship. These reactions are not inherently negative or problematic. In fact, when recognized and understood, contratransferência can be a valuable tool for the therapist. It can offer insights into the patient's internal world and the nature of their relational patterns.

However, if left unexamined, contratransferência can impede the therapeutic process. A therapist might unconsciously act out their own unresolved issues, leading to countertransference enactments that are detrimental to the patient's progress. Modern psychodynamic and psychoanalytic approaches emphasize the importance of therapists developing self-awareness and utilizing supervision or personal therapy to manage and understand their contratransferential reactions effectively. This allows them to maintain objectivity and ensure the therapeutic relationship remains focused on the patient's needs.