title: Countertransference in the family therapy of survivors of sexual abuse.
abstract: As family therapy of sexual abuse survivors has become more common, theoretical and technical issues have received considerable attention. Less attention has been devoted to the countertransference experience of the therapist. Unexamined therapist countertransference is a critical element in the treatment of these families, which markedly influences the nature and direction of treatment. Particular types of countertransference are presented here. In addition, the contention is made that countertransference is not only evoked by the particular presentation of the family members, but also by the therapist's unexplored political and moral beliefs.
authors.affiliation: McLean Hospital Institute for Couples and Families, Belmont, MA.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Shay
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003379:Countertransference; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D005196:Family Therapy; D005219:Father-Child Relations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007179:Incest; D011613:Psychotherapy; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology