Countering countertransference, II: beyond evaluation to cross-examination.
Countertransference is a clinical term introduced by Freud in 1909. For years, despite mounting criticism, forensic psychiatrists borrowed this clinical concept to explain their emotional experiences and responses to examinees' emotions and behavior. The authors describe the impact of examinee and nonexaminee factors during evaluations and beyond, including during trial and while providing forensic testimony. The suggestion is made that using the term countertransference in forensic psychiatry can be problematic. The authors delineate the complexities of the term as related to forensic psychiatry and consider modified terms to provide a better explanation of these concepts in forensic contexts.
Omaha Veterans Administration Medical Center, 4101 Woolworth Ave, Room 116A, Omaha, NE 68105, USA. syed.sattar@med.va.gov
S Pirzada
SP
Sattar
Debra A
DA
Pinals
Thomas G
TG
Gutheil
D000328:Adult; D003379:Countertransference; D003416:Criminal Law / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005260:Female; D005555:Forensic Psychiatry / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male