An Introduction to Countertransference

An Introduction to Countertransference contains a wealth of information that will help orient novice trainees to this important topic, as well as guide experienced therapists in their own clinical work, teaching, and supervision. Dr. Cartwright's wisdom, accumulated from many years of studying and helping others learn about countertransference, is evident in this gem of a book. Dr. Cartwright neatly synthesizes theory, research, and practical applications in a highly digestible fashion. I can't imagine a therapist who would not benefit from reading this book.

This book helps the reader understand key concepts relating to transference and countertransference, providing explanation of terms from Freud’s original perspective through more modern psychodynamic views to perspectives from cognitive-behavioural therapy. This is helpful for those not well versed in psychodynamic or object relations theory. The book takes a stepwise approach from understanding terms, to their relevance for the therapeutic relationship, to a process for understanding and managing countertransference, and includes dealing with ruptures and aspects as challenging as sexual countertransference in therapy. This layering from the simple to the more complex is aided by the use of transactional analysis as a frame to guide practice. There are questions for reflection to help identify countertransference and its origin, i.e., client or self, as well as suggestions for managing it in vignettes and transcripts.

Therapists with little background in psychodynamic approaches to therapy will find this a fantastic entry into an important aspect of clinical work. For those more seasoned it will offer perspectives and processes that will complement your work. The supervisor will find the sequences of reflective questions excellent to guide the supervision process when supervisees bring their reactions to clients. This is welcomed in this era of increasingly integrative approaches to therapy where a comprehensive training in these approaches cannot be assumed. Claire’s writing style is refreshingly clear and easy to comprehend, making the reader feel resourced and encouraged. Not only this but Claire takes a compassionate approach toward plight of the clients and their unconscious dynamics and toward the therapists who get caught up in them.

Dr Cartwright has truly done the psychotherapy profession an invaluable service by writing this book as it provides a theoretical and practical guide for understanding a rich and powerful therapeutic phenomenon in such a way that is accessible to trainee therapists and therapists practicing from a wide range of therapeutic orientations. If you are a trainee therapist, therapist interested in enhancing your knowledge and/or practice around countertransference, or a person with general interest in this area, then I highly recommend you read this book.