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countertransference

American  
[koun-ter-trans-fur-uhns, -trans-fer-uhns] / ˌkaʊn tər trænsˈfɜr əns, -ˈtræns fər əns /

noun

Psychoanalysis.
  1. transference on the part of the analyst of repressed feelings aroused by the patient.


Etymology

Origin of countertransference

counter- + transference

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Psychology has a term for when therapists unintentionally project their own emotions, history or unresolved issues onto a client: countertransference.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 22, 2026

The hostility toward these patients mentioned in the article is not only the consequence of a difference in the therapist's theoretical approach; it is a consequence of the therapist's countertransference left untreated.

From Scientific American Aug. 1, 2022

Transference and countertransference are psychological terms expressing the professional's requirement to be cautious with personal boundaries.

From Salon May 23, 2021

When the therapist does some version of that with their patient, particularly in reaction to transference, that's countertransference.

From Salon May 23, 2021

There is also a countertransference which indicates the reaction of the therapist to the patient.

From A Practical Guide to Self-Hypnosis by Melvin Powers

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