Transference and countertransference: Opportunities and risks as two technical constructs migrate beyond their psychoanalytic homeland

The terms 'transference' and 'countertransference' have developed a wide use in psychotherapy and no longer hold an exclusive association with therapies based on psychoanalysis. These terms have become so commonplace there is a real risk that therapists will gloss over the complex, and even problematic, nature of the underlying constructs. Without an appreciation of this complexity, clinical use of the terms may result in more harm than good. Robert King and Tom O'Brien return to the psychoanalytic meaning of the terms in order to minimise this danger. Regardless of the therapy framework, emotional responses of clients and therapists to each other can inform the work of therapy, and enhance the impact of therapeutic communication. However, transference and countertransference, when identified correctly, will only constitute a small part of the feelings that exist between therapist and client. Interpretation of transference and countertransference will be subject to errors and distortions, and these need to be identified and managed for effective use of these two technical constructs