Unit:
Κατεύθυνση Ψυχοδυναμική Ψυχοθεραπεία σε Ιατρικό ΠλαίσιοLibrary of the School of Health Sciences
Supervisors info:
Γρηγόριος Βασλαματζής, Ομότιμος Καθηγητής, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ, Επιβλέπων
Μαρία Τζινιέρη- Κοκκώση, π. μ. Επικ. Καθηγήτρια, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Δημήτριος Αναγνωστόπουλος, Καθηγητής, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Original Title:
Αντιμεταβιβαστικά φαινόμενα στην εργασία με γυναίκες θύματα συντροφικής βίας
Translated title:
Countertransference phenomena in the treatment of female individuals who have experienced intimate partner violence
Summary:
Ιn this paper, we focus on object relations theory in order to understand the
countertransference phenomena in the treatment of female individuals who have
experienced intimate partner violence. First, we provide a review
on the literature related to countertransference. Countertransference is now recognized
as an integral part of the therapeutic relationship. The therapist must always be aware
of the unconscious processes that take place in psychotherapy. These processes can
affect both the understanding and the behavior of the therapist. The contribution of
object relations theory to a broader understanding of countertransference is illustrated.
The transference of the patient and the therapist's countertransference are an
externalization, in the interpersonal field, of internalized object relations. The
unconscious, internalized object relations are part of the Ego and resist any attempt to
change. In our research, we assume that engaging in a violent intimate partner
relationship is an externalization of a pathological object relation. Commitment to the
abusive relationship affects the countertransference of the therapist, causing intense
emotional reactions. Finding that some emotions are quite common in the treatment of
female individuals who have experienced intimate partner violence, can be very
useful for therapists working in this field. For the purpose of our research, we
conducted interviews with eleven counselors who support women who have
experienced intimate partner violence. The counselors were asked to talk about their
countertransference to a patient and to share their thoughts on intimate partner
violence in general. The qualitative data obtained from the interviews was analyzed
using the thematic analysis method. The results highlight the intensity of
countertransference phenomena and the importance of object relations theory in
understanding and managing countertransference.
Main subject category:
Health Sciences
Keywords:
Intimate partner violence, Countertransference, Object relations theory
