Psychodynamics of transference and countertransference in the psychotherapy with sexual trauma

In this article, we emphasize the nature of transference and countertransference while working with sexual trauma. Such kind of trauma can evoke intense emotional, cognitive, and somatic reactions. In order to avoid projective distortions and maintain the therapeutic stance, therapists need to...

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Main Author: Mariia Tyshchenko
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: WAPP 2025-01-01
Series:The Global Psychotherapist
Online Access:https://www.positum.org/ppt_artticles/tyshchenko-m-2025-lkj259/
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author Mariia Tyshchenko
author_facet Mariia Tyshchenko
author_sort Mariia Tyshchenko
collection DOAJ
description In this article, we emphasize the nature of transference and countertransference while working with sexual trauma. Such kind of trauma can evoke intense emotional, cognitive, and somatic reactions. In order to avoid projective distortions and maintain the therapeutic stance, therapists need to develop an awareness of their reactions and use this dynamic as a pathway to a deeper understanding of the client's or patient’s trauma. This article reviews theoretical perspectives from classical psychoanalysis to positive psychotherapy, illustrating methods for identifying and using transference and countertransference as therapeutic tools. In addition, the article discusses the prevalence and impact of sexual abuse on mental health. It describes how these psychodynamic processes work within an evidence-based framework to support emotional recovery. This article emphasizes the need for ongoing self-reflection and supervision for therapists to prevent professional burnout and increase their therapeutic effectiveness while working with patients and clients with sexual trauma.
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series The Global Psychotherapist
spelling doaj-art-ad04106fe1274632a04ad27ce00c6aff2025-01-24T18:27:49ZengWAPPThe Global Psychotherapist2710-14602025-01-0151596810.52982/lkj259Psychodynamics of transference and countertransference in the psychotherapy with sexual traumaMariia Tyshchenkohttps://orcid.org/0009-0009-8608-0841 In this article, we emphasize the nature of transference and countertransference while working with sexual trauma. Such kind of trauma can evoke intense emotional, cognitive, and somatic reactions. In order to avoid projective distortions and maintain the therapeutic stance, therapists need to develop an awareness of their reactions and use this dynamic as a pathway to a deeper understanding of the client's or patient’s trauma. This article reviews theoretical perspectives from classical psychoanalysis to positive psychotherapy, illustrating methods for identifying and using transference and countertransference as therapeutic tools. In addition, the article discusses the prevalence and impact of sexual abuse on mental health. It describes how these psychodynamic processes work within an evidence-based framework to support emotional recovery. This article emphasizes the need for ongoing self-reflection and supervision for therapists to prevent professional burnout and increase their therapeutic effectiveness while working with patients and clients with sexual trauma. https://www.positum.org/ppt_artticles/tyshchenko-m-2025-lkj259/
spellingShingle Mariia Tyshchenko
Psychodynamics of transference and countertransference in the psychotherapy with sexual trauma
The Global Psychotherapist
title Psychodynamics of transference and countertransference in the psychotherapy with sexual trauma
title_full Psychodynamics of transference and countertransference in the psychotherapy with sexual trauma
title_fullStr Psychodynamics of transference and countertransference in the psychotherapy with sexual trauma
title_full_unstemmed Psychodynamics of transference and countertransference in the psychotherapy with sexual trauma
title_short Psychodynamics of transference and countertransference in the psychotherapy with sexual trauma
title_sort psychodynamics of transference and countertransference in the psychotherapy with sexual trauma
url https://www.positum.org/ppt_artticles/tyshchenko-m-2025-lkj259/
work_keys_str_mv AT mariiatyshchenko psychodynamicsoftransferenceandcountertransferenceinthepsychotherapywithsexualtrauma