English

Alternative forms

• counter-transferent

Adjective

countertransferent ‎(not comparable)

1. (psychotherapy) Exhibiting or reflecting countertransference.
   • 1988, Edmund White, The Beautiful Room is Empty, New York: Vintage International, 1994, Chapter One,

     “ […] You see, old boy, you think I’m sleeping, that I’m counter-transferent, but even when I’m dozing I’m listening, putting the pieces together in the preconscious, creative part of my brain. […] ”

   • 1995, Peter Mosgofian and George Ohlschlager, Sexual Misconduct in Counseling and Ministry, Eugene, Oregon: Wipf & Stock, Part VI, Chapter 15, p. 270,

     The baseline therapeutic principle for work with erotic feelings is the same as that with the seductive client—the eroticism is an expression or cover of deeper wounds, needs, and patterns of dysfunctional living. This is true, for the most part, not only in the client transference but also in the countertransferent feelings of the counselor.

Related terms

• countertransferential