Transference

The patient unconsciously projects feelings about formative or other significant persons onto the physician.

• Example: A patient begins to view their psychiatrist as a parental figure.

Countertransference

The physician unconsciously projects feelings about formative or other significant persons onto the patient.

• Example: A patient reminds the physician of their younger sibling, which influences the doctor’s emotions and behavior.

Learning Objective

Understand that transference refers to the patient’s projections onto the physician, while countertransference refers to the physician’s projections onto the patient. Recognizing these dynamics is critical for maintaining professional boundaries in the therapeutic relationship.

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