Every therapist will, over the course of his career…
““Every therapist will, over the course of his career, encounter a patient whose problem sufficiently mirrors a difficulty for the therapist which is still unresolved. In this situation, unless the therapist is aware of the existence of their own pathology and can take it into account, they may respond to the patient in a defensive, resistant or blaming manner. Technically, this would be called ‘counter-transference resistance’.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Therapists may project their own unresolved issues onto patients, leading to defensive or blaming reactions if they lack self‑awareness.
In simple terms: Therapists can unintentionally react based on their own problems.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and manage personal biases in therapy.
Themes
self‑awareness
counter‑transference
professional ethics
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
clinical
educational
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- supervision meetings
- personal therapy
- case consultations
Key Concepts
psychodynamic theory
reflective practice
emotional regulation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can therapists reliably detect their own blind spots?
- What safeguards help prevent counter‑transference?
A Different Perspective
If the therapist’s own issue is severe, insight may be limited without external feedback.