Controversies on Countertransference

Booknews Strean (emeritus, Rutgers U. School of Social Work) explores countertransference reactions in psychotherapeutic work and allows colleagues to comment on his ideas in separate "discussion" sections. He argues that therapists need to confront, acknowledge, and analyze countertransference reactions. Contrary to traditional conceptions of countertransference, he contends that it can be useful to communicate countertransference reactions to patients, viewing the patient and the therapist as equals in dialogue. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)