Publication Date
2011
Document Type
Masters Thesis
Department
School for Social Work
Keywords
Countertransference (Psychology), Anger, Aggressiveness, Psychotherapists-Psychology, Aggression, Countertransference
Abstract
This is a theoretical thesis focused on aggression in countertransference for the purpose of increasing clinicians' awareness and understanding of aggressive feelings and actions towards patients. Firstly, this research examines the evolution of theories about countertransference in psychoanalytic literature with attention to the experience of hate and aggression. Secondly, this research presents contemporary understandings of the behavioral features of aggression and considers a methodic examination of the behavioral manifestations of aggression in countertransference. Acting out one's aggressive instincts towards a client is potentially damaging to the therapeutic relationship. A classification system of aggressive behavior is outlined and applied to therapists' experiences of aggression toward a patient within the context of a therapeutic relationship. In this way, therapists may garner more precise information about themselves by becoming more observant of the ways their behavior discloses their aggressive instincts toward patients.
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Walther, Lauren Durbin, "When therapists attack : an aggressive instinct in the countertransference and aggressive behavior in technique" (2011). Masters Thesis, Smith College, Northampton, MA.
https://scholarworks.smith.edu/theses/1024
Comments
iii, 45 p. : ill. Thesis (M.S.W.)-Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2011. Includes bibliographical references (p. 41-45)