Understanding and managing countertransference is one of the key elements in successful therapy.

Many studies have shown that some types of countertransference reactions are never adequately covered in psychotherapy training and supervision. Dr. Sehl's published research* in 1998 revealed that the majority of therapists surveyed did not receive adequate training in countertransference. In 2006 the NY Times carried an article on the importance of the discovery of mirror neurons and part of the article makes the connection with mirror neurons and psychotherapy: "Therapists can use their own mirror system to understand their client's problems and to generate empathy . . . And they can help clients understand that many of their experiences stem from what other people have said or done to them in the past." (NY Times, Jan. 2006). However, if therapists do not understand their countertransference reactions they will have difficulty understanding their client's feelings.

*Sehl, M. (1998). Erotic countertransference and clinical social work practice: A national survey of psychotherapists' sexual feelings, attitudes, and responses, Journal of Analytic Social Work, 5 (4), 39-55.

Dr. Sehl would be interested in hearing about therapists' experience with supervision and training. If you want to talk in confidence about your work, send an e-mail to info@marksehl.com.