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Countertransference Reactions in Therapeutic Work with Incestuous Sexual Abusers

NCJ Number
214657
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 15 Issue: 1 Dated: 2006 Pages: 51-68
Author(s)
Monika Friedrich; Rob Leiper
Date Published
2006
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This study explored the countertransference responses of therapists working with incestuous sexual abusers.
Abstract
Results indicated that feelings of anger, hostility, disgust, and criticism were common to all nine therapists interviewed for the study. Some therapists reported feelings of guilt and shame about their negative reactions. Feelings of being controlled, manipulated, and deceived were consistently reported by the therapists, suggesting a possible parallel process between the therapeutic and incest relationships. Most therapists expressed doubt about their ability to maintain an effective therapeutic relationship. Participants were nine therapists who were recruited from psychotherapy, psychological, and forensic psychological services in the National Health Service in the United Kingdom. Therapists participated in semi-structured interviews that focused on particular responses the therapists had at various stages of therapy work with clients who were incestuous sexual abusers. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Given the importance of establishing a therapeutic alliance to the outcome of psychotherapeutic treatment, future research should further explore the therapist’s role in establishing and maintaining therapeutic bonds in their work with incestuous sexual abusers. Tables, references