Transference and Countertransference in Casework: A Study of Casework, Psychological and Psychiatric Literature From 1940–1960

Background of the Study. This study has been initiated by the complex, ever increasing importance of casework as a therapeutic technique. As with all dynamic functions, practice often excels the theoretical aspects, or theory is far beyond the practice of the technique. Casework in its dynamic growth is manifesting both these characteristics. The lag between practice and theory may exist in many areas of social work. However, this study is concerned only with the area of treatment identified as relationship and the part of relationship known as transference . The importance of considering this problem lies in the very connection of casework to the total field of Social Work; more precisely to the philosophy of social work which is dedicated to assisting man in his efforts to prevent, modify and overcome the inequities of life; whether these inequities be found in society as a whole or in the personality maladjustment of the individual