We can use our reactions to patients to improve their treatment outcomes
What is it about?
Countertransference, defined by the International Psychoanalytical Association’s Inter-Regional Encyclopedic Dictionary of Psychoanalysis as the “totality of feelings, attitudes, and thoughts” toward a patient, can be a valuable tool in any physician's toolbox. Understanding our countertransference increases our understanding of patients and advances their treatments, whether in consultation, medication management, or psychotherapy.
Why is it important?
There are limits to the effectiveness of the somatic treatments we have to offer our patients. How we apply these treatments greatly affects patient receptiveness and responsiveness. Understanding our countertransferences allows us to recognize our patients' patterns of relating and address their assumptions about their treatments in ways which can maximize their adherence and response.