CASAC Counselling Domain Practice Exam

Countertransference is the analyst's own emotional reaction to the patient that is triggered by past relationships. Therapists may notice feelings such as anxiety, attraction, anger, or protectiveness arising in session, rooted in their own history rather than the patient's current behavior. This is different from transference, where the patient unconsciously projects feelings about important figures onto the therapist, whereas in countertransference the source is the therapist's internal world. Projection involves attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts or impulses to others, and identification means taking on someone else's characteristics or roles. Recognizing countertransference is important for maintaining boundaries and using supervision to reflect on one's reactions and ensure the patient’s needs remain the focus.