Psychology In Seattle Podcast Countertransference (Deep Dive) (2013 Rerun)
Oct 28, 2025
Explore the intriguing world of countertransference, where therapists' feelings towards clients come to light. Delve into the complexities of defining the term and its historical context. Discover the varied opinions among scholars and how these perspectives shape clinical experiences. Kirk Honda highlights the richness of psychodynamic theory, celebrating its flexibility and depth. This deep dive uncovers the nuanced dynamics between therapists and clients, inviting thought-provoking discussions about emotions in therapy.
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Countertransference Is Historically And Culturally Shaped
- Countertransference is a complex, culturally shaped concept with varied definitions across practitioners.
- Kirk Honda emphasizes that the experience and description of countertransference differ by individual and era.
Personal Experience Makes Countertransference Squishy
- Countertransference feels different for each clinician and resists precise language or rigid definition.
- Kirk Honda values psychodynamic theory for allowing flexible, individualized views of such phenomena.
Freud As The Usual Starting Point
- Kirk Honda traces most discussions of countertransference back to Freud as a starting point.
- He notes that deeper exploration exceeds a short podcast and that different scholars would offer varied takes.