Abstract
Background: Transference and countertransference could be significant sources of insight about the patient’s, therapist’s and supervisor’s inner worlds. Transference phenomena are viewed as a reenactment in the treatment relationship of key elements of previous significant relationships.
Countertransference occurs in CBT when the relationship with the patient activates automatic thoughts and schemas in the clinician, and these cognitions have the potential for influencing the therapy process. Countertransference also occurs during supervision and is an indispensable part of the supervisor’s response to the supervisee.
CBT is typically short-term treatment – intensity of transference is usually much lower than in longer-term, dynamically oriented psychotherapy. Nevertheless during the long-term CBT of the personality disorder or other complex cases, high intensity of transference and countertransference can develop.