Bringing the Money Out of the Shadows: Money and Therapy

There is a limited amount of research in psychology regarding the impact of money on the therapeutic relationship. Although some research regarding clients’ transference vis-à- vis money exists, clinicians’ countertransference concerning money has been largely ignored. As money and discussion of fees often generate negative countertransference for clinicians, it is likely that this material will not be addressed in the clinicians’ personal work, and therefore it risks being harmful to the therapy process. The author’s goal is to demystify the subject of money in the clinical setting and make it easier for clinicians to discuss money, fees, and the financial aspects of therapy with their clients, while minimizing the harmful impacts of therapists’ countertransference on the therapeutic frame. Using heuristic and hermeneutic methodologies, the author uses his own experiences as a nascent therapist to illustrate some ways for clinicians to address and minimize the negative impact of their money issues on their work