Countertransference

What is countertransference? Countertransference refers to the therapist’s emotional reactions and personal experiences that may arise during the therapeutic process. Like all clients that we face as clinicians, it may be inevitable for our own emotions to leak into the therapeutic space– however, it is the moment when we allow our own judgment and experiences to affect our working relationship that it then presents a significant problem. 

Effectively managing countertransference is crucial to maintaining therapeutic boundaries and providing the best possible care for adolescents. Here are some tips to practice and keep in mind for before, during, and after care from therapy:

Before

Professional Development: Continued professional development is essential for therapists working with adolescents. Attending workshops, seminars, and training on adolescent therapy equips therapists with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle countertransference effectively. It’s important to continue seeking for new relevant information to inform our practices as we see the mental health field continue to evolve.

Seeking Therapy: It’s apparent that therapists love to help and show care by listening and containing their client’s narratives, but who is there to take care and listen to the therapists? A great way to understand the client’s position is to be in the client’s seat– not just the therapist’s seat. Just like how clients come to the therapist in a vulnerable state, the therapist should also embody that same vulnerability to create insight of the client experience. Prior to being a therapist, we are firstly human with past experiences that may or may not be resolved. It is crucial to have a space to process before, during, or after working with teen clients to create a degree of understanding of the therapist-client dynamic.

During

Self-Awareness: Therapists must cultivate self-awareness to recognize their own emotional responses. Regular self-reflection, seeking therapy as a therapist, and supervision can help identify triggers and unconscious biases that may affect the therapeutic relationship. Acknowledging these reactions and seeking support from colleagues or supervisors is essential for maintaining objectivity and minimizing the impact of countertransference.

Mindful Observation: Practicing mindful observation allows therapists to observe their emotions, body movements, and thoughts without judgment. Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing and grounding exercises, help therapists regain focus and remain attuned to the adolescent’s perspective. Furthermore, in recognizing the atmosphere of the room, both client and/or therapist may be able to detect a shift in their working relationship– being cognizant and acknowledging such a shift can allow for broader conversations and giving space for teen clients to take initiative in therapy.

After

Seeking Consultation: When countertransference becomes challenging to manage, therapists should seek consultation from experienced colleagues or supervisors. Discussing cases with others can provide valuable insights and guidance, helping therapists gain a fresh perspective and navigate their emotional responses more effectively. As clinicians, we should practice what we preach, and ask for help, for example, when we feel “stuck” or “lost” by reaching out to our peers and colleagues and cultivate a communal connection to become the best healers we can be. 

Self-Care: Maintaining personal well-being is vital for managing countertransference. Engaging in self-care activities, such as exercise, hobbies, and therapy for therapists, can help therapists process their own emotions outside of the therapeutic space. This self-nurturing promotes emotional resilience and prevents burnout, enabling therapists to provide consistent support to adolescents. As an alternative, self-care can also be acknowledged through shifting schedules. For example: A therapist may notice that they have been yawning during 6 pm sessions and the therapist experiences burnout afterwards, perhaps they can reschedule the time of seeing this client earlier on in the day (maybe a different day in general) and have a gap in between to reflect and process the session.

Managing countertransference is a pivotal aspect of providing effective therapy to adolescents. By cultivating self-awareness, practicing mindful observation, seeking consultation, prioritizing self-care, and pursuing professional development, clinicians can navigate their emotional responses more skillfully. This allows clinicians to maintain a therapeutic relationship grounded in objectivity, empathy, and attunement to the adolescent’s needs.