This article has been reviewed for accuracy by John Cottrell, Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology<\/a>. Medical Disclaimer: The information and recommendations on our site do not constitute a medical consultation. See a certified medical professional for diagnosis.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this post, we'll cover:<\/p>\n
Before we get into the details of this phenomenon, it is essential first to analyze the setting in which it happens. Therapy is a unique process, and it can play a big role in both participants’ emotions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are various modes of therapy, including behavioral therapy<\/a>, psychoanalysis, cognitive behavioral therapy, and many more. Therapy can also be delivered online on platforms such as BlahTherapy<\/a>. Certain kinds of therapy will be more emotional than others, which can affect both parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Transference<\/a> is when someone projects their feelings towards their parents or romantic partner, for example, onto another person. For instance, if someone sees a man who closely resembles their father, they can immediately feel open and warm towards that person if they had a good and loving relationship with their father. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Psychologists most often attribute transference<\/a> to client\/therapist relationships. Counselors use the term when clients project feelings they have of their mother, father, or another person, onto their therapist. Although, it is worth noting that a therapist can experience transference towards their client. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Three types of transference<\/a>Â can happen in these kinds of relationships:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even though people use the term transference for many different situations, countertransference<\/a> refers to how the therapist feels towards the client, not the other way around. Since the curriculum trains therapists to recognize and regulate emotions, countertransference<\/a> does not happen a lot. However, even psychologists are human, so it is possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For therapy to go well, a therapist needs to be somewhat attached to the client. However, there are definite lines that should not be crossed. Let’s take a look at what a healthy therapist-client relationship is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A healthy relationship between a therapist and a client should be respectful, comforting, and trusting. However, it is the role of the therapist to stay objective. Your counselor needs to look at your thoughts and feelings and not let personal emotions distract them from analyzing what is going on. Nonetheless, therapists often feel a sense of healthy attachment towards their clients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Generally, a good counselor, psychotherapist, or clinical psychologist will be genuinely rooting for you. They want to see you thrive and be able to live your life happily and healthy. When they have healthy and positive feelings towards you, they will do their best to determine the best treatment plan. If a therapist does not truly care about the client, then the therapeutic process will not be effective. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want a more in-depth answer to this question, consider checking out the video below. A therapist created the video, and she discusses how a therapist should feel towards their client and when attachment has gone too far:Â <\/p>\n\n\n\n