Countering countertransference: a forensic trainee's dilemma.
Forensic psychiatry involves an adaptation to a role that is very different from the psychiatrist's previous clinical experiences. To render an unbiased forensic opinion, psychiatrists have to rise above their countertransference feelings. This takes years of practice and experience. The following is an account of a forensic trainee who faced several countertransference problems as he evaluated a patient charged with attempted murder. The case report is interspersed with a review of the relevant literature.
Sattar
S Pirzada
SP
Law and Psychiatry Program at University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, USA. shrink@prodigy.net
Pinals
Debra A
DA
Gutheil
Thomas
T
D000328:Adult; D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D003379:Countertransference; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000592:standards*; D005555:Forensic Psychiatry / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007237:Infanticide / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D024382:Professional Role; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*