The concepts of transference and countertransference in medical
settings: a modern understanding
Abstract
Transference and countertransference phenomena are present in every
physician–patient interaction. The aim of this text is to present the
concepts of transference and countertransference found in daily
non-psychiatric clinical practice and some possible interventions
addressing these phenomena that could improve the clinician´s work with
his or her patients. To render understandable the concepts of
transference and countertransference, first the basic psychological
concepts from which they emerge will be presented. Modern medicine has
been losing its humane aspects and the quality of the physician-patient
relationship. Recognition of the phenomena of transference and
countertransference could be used to face this dehumanization crisis.